Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 12, Revision 4 (FGE.12Rev4): primary saturated or unsaturated alicyclic alcohols, aldehydes, acids and esters from chemical groups 1 and 7

Abstract

The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids of the European Food Safety Authority was requested to evaluate 12 flavouring substances in Flavouring Group Evaluation 12, Revision 4 (FGE.12Rev4), including two additional substances, using the Procedure in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. The present revision includes two additional flavouring substances: 12-beta-santalen-14-ol [FL-no: 02.216] and 12-alpha-santalen-14-ol [FL-no: 02.217]. None of the substances was considered to have genotoxic potential. The substances were evaluated through a stepwise approach (the Procedure) that integrates information on structure-activity relationships, intake from current uses and the toxicological threshold of concern and available data on metabolism and toxicity. The Panel concluded that none of the 12 substances [FL-nos: 02.134, 02.186, 02.216, 02.217, 05.157, 05.182, 05.183, 05.198, 08.135, 09.342, 09.670 and 09.829] gives rise to safety concerns at their levels of dietary intake, estimated on the basis of the maximised survey-derived daily intake approach. Besides the safety assessment of these flavouring substances, the specifications for the materials of commerce have also been considered. Specifications including complete purity criteria and identity for the materials of commerce have been provided for all 12 candidate substances.