How Food Standards Scotland monitors the use of additives and preservatives in processed foods.

Additives (including preservatives, colourings, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and antioxidants) must be assessed for safety by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) before they can be used in food production in the UK. A food additive is only approved if; it has been tested and proved to be safe for its intended use; there is a justifiable technological need to use it; and its use does not mislead the consumer. A list of currently authorised food additives can be found here:Approved additives and E numbers | Food Standards AgencyManufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure additives are used in accordance with regulations and to provide information about any used in the foods they produce additives (what they do and their name or E number) in the list of ingredients on the packaging.FSS and FSA undertake regular reviews on the science relating to food additives to inform the need for updating our safety assessments, and work closely with enforcement authorities to ensure that the legal requirements are enforced effectively; with appropriate action taken where problems are identified.Enforcement authorities (including LA food law officers) will verify compliance with regard to the use of food additives as part of their inspections of food manufacturers. Where appropriate this will involve testing samples of product to ensure the levels do not breach regulatory limits. Further to this, FSS will also target products in its national food sampling programmes where there is intelligence on the potential mis-use of certain additives to inform the targeting of enforcement action or guidance that may be required to strengthen compliance.