The Fresh Produce Consortium has welcomed a statement from the European Commission that it is looking into a reprieve for some uses of morpholine in wax used on fruit.

A new proposal considering allowing a period of tolerance until 19 November on lines where the peel is not expected to be eaten will be discussed by a working group next week.

The directorate general for health, DG Sanco, said in a statement: “In DG Sanco’s view, morpholine is regarded as a carrier in waxes and is as such not authorised…Imports of fruits into the EU, of which the surface is treated with waxes, can only be allowed if authorised carriers and waxes have been used.”

Nevertheless the European Commission, having taken into account the position of the Food Standards Agency, is proposing a period of tolerance for the import from third countries of fruits coming treated with morpholine containing waxes, if the peels are not expected to be consumed, and no migration of morpholine into the edible part can be expected (eg citrus fruits and pineapples). This proposal is going to be discussed in the next meeting of the working group of governmental experts on food additives on 3 November.

FPC ceo Nigel Jenney said: “We welcome the commission’s pragmatic position which allows the industry to continue to import some lines that have been treated with wax containing morpholine.

“Given earlier consultation with members and the advice we gave to the FSA with regard to a suitable date for imports, we believe that this date for entry of products to the UK should be acceptable for members.” He also reminded members to check with their suppliers to ensure that fresh produce destined for the UK market complies with the EU regulation on food additives (EC Regulation 1333/2008).

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