Since February 27, the Eurasian Economic Union has enacted a broad restriction on the use of 19 food additives, a move that also covers the well known sweetener stevia. The decision, issued by the EAEU Council, is published on the official portal and marks a significant shift in how flavors and processing aids are handled within member states. The ban aims to tighten controls over food ingredients used in consumer products across Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, aligning industry practices with updated safety and labeling standards that apply to the market in the region.
It took eight years to revise the Customs Union’s technical regulations on food additives. Following extensive testing and large-scale evaluations, the list of permitted substances was narrowed from 362 items to 349, reflecting a more conservative approach to ingredients that may affect public health and consumer choice. The revised framework scrutinizes additives, flavors, and processing aids to ensure they meet current safety criteria and consumer expectations for quality and transparency. [Source: EAEU Council]
Beyond stevia, the new restrictions extend to formic acid, listed as E236, along with a number of other additives such as the canthaxanthin dye E161g and the acidity regulator ammonium acetate E264. These additives appear on the restricted roster after the comprehensive assessment process, which weighed potential health impacts against technological needs in food production. The overarching aim is to reduce exposure to certain substances while preserving options for manufacturers to reformulate products when necessary. [Attribution: EAEU technical regulation revision]
Commentary from nutrition science professionals highlights the broader health implications tied to sweeteners and additives in common beverages. A medical professional noted that certain sweeteners used in drinks could interact with metabolic and neurological processes, a concern that has sparked ongoing discussion about age-specific consumption and long-term effects. The emphasis remains on moderation and evidence-based choices in everyday nutrition, especially for children and vulnerable groups. [Expert commentary on health impacts]
Meanwhile, a former nutritionist has challenged lingering myths about popular industrial sweeteners by presenting updated interpretations of current research. The debate underscores the importance of clear, science-backed information for consumers who seek to understand how ingredients influence taste, energy balance, and overall well-being. The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader trend toward more rigorous evaluation of food additives and more transparent labeling practices across markets. [Expert perspective]