A number of food additives will be banned in Russia starting February 2024, according to Elena Saratseva, deputy head of Roskachestvo, as reported by the Parliamentary newspaper. The announcement signals a significant shift in how additive use is regulated and monitored within the country.
From February 27, 2024, changes in the labeling and identification of food additives are set to come into force. In addition to the familiar letter E and the numeric code, the composition of each additive will now include a clear statement of its technological function — whether it acts as a stabilizer, a thickener, a coloring agent, or serves another role. The manufacturer will determine the exact function in line with applicable technical regulations, making the functional designation an official part of the product’s ingredient listing.
The move is described as a response to ongoing modernization of production technologies. As production methods advance, some additives will be adjusted or phased out, with the aim of aligning with updated safety assessments and compliance standards. Authorities indicate that certain additives have shown evidence of potential harm to human health, prompting a reevaluation of their permitted uses and the conditions under which they may be employed.
In related studies, researchers from the University of Alberta reported that higher levels of taurine might contribute to improvements in certain long-term health outcomes. While this information originates from international research, it underscores the broader global interest in how specific additives interact with human physiology and long-term well-being.
On a separate note, Russia experienced a notable rise in beer imports in the period preceding these regulatory adjustments, reflecting shifts in consumer demand and trade patterns. The evolving regulatory landscape for additives sits alongside broader changes in food and beverage policy and market dynamics that affect both producers and consumers in the country and beyond.