Viewpoints | May 03,2024
A new directive regulating food additives has been introduced, marking a step in safeguarding public health. The directive aims to control the unauthorised use of potentially harmful additives in food products, setting stringent guidelines for manufacturers, importers, and exporters to follow.
Food additives, used for flavour enhancement and preservation, will now be subject to strict registration and monitoring under this regulation. Previously, these additives were loosely governed under the Food & Medicine Administration Proclamation, lacking specific focus.
Signed by Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority (EFDA) Director General Heran Gerba, the move, aligning with international standards mandates that all additives meet set safety protocols and carry approved certification.
Dagmawit Negatu, the Authority’s registration officer, underscored the dangers associated with these substances.
She noted that the directive is in line with international benchmarks, particularly the Codex General Standard for Food Additives, which requires all additives to be registered and assigned a code by the European Union (EU) that is globally recognised for standardising additives.
Over 300 substances have been approved under EU and Codex regulations. Among the banned additives are benzophenone and ethyl acrylate, which have been linked to cancer risks. The delayed onset of adverse effects from such chemicals amplifies the need for stringent oversight.
Prior to the directive, the 2019 proclamation mandated that food products must adhere to Ethiopian standards, ensuring they do not contain chemical residues—pesticides and additives—exceeding permissible limits. Particular concern was raised over infant milk formulas, which must meet local quality standards and avoid genetically modified ingredients and radiation exposure during production.
Dagmawit said that Ethiopia’s adoption of the Codex standard, nearly two decades ago, signalled that the directive was overdue, with economic considerations contributing to the delay. She also noted the scarcity of local research on the effects of food additives.
"Comprehensive data on additives was lacking," she said.
Manufacturers and importers are now required to secure pre-licensing from EFDA before engaging in any effort related to food additives.
In addition to regulating the use of additives, the directive places heavy emphasis on transparency. All food products containing additives must clearly label them by both their functional class and specific name or identification number, sticking to the national standard for pre-packaged foods. Misleading or ambiguous labelling is strictly prohibited, ensuring consumers are fully informed about the contents of the products they purchase.
According to Dagmawit, the Authority plans to boost its enforcement mechanisms with rigorous inspection protocols and post-market surveillance to monitor compliance. Manufacturers, importers, and exporters are required to present a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that includes detailed information on the additives used while notifications and licenses must be renewed periodically, adding another layer of oversight.
Public health experts have long raised concerns about the link between food additives and the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer in Ethiopia. According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs accounted for nearly 40pc of deaths in Ethiopia between 2009 and 2015, with one in three adults over the age of 30 suffering from high blood pressure.
The EFDA’s new directive, while primarily focused on food safety, is seen as a vital step toward mitigating these broader health risks.
Desalegn Tegabu (PhD), a public health expert, cautioned against the use of artificial additives like preservatives, sweeteners, and colourants, which he said contribute to obesity, metabolic disorders, and even mental health issues such as delusions and hallucinations.
“It’s not enough to simply ban harmful additives,” Desalegn said. “Public awareness and education are just as critical to ensuring long-term public health.”
Critics, however, point out that Ethiopia has lagged behind in food safety standards, particularly when compared to other African nations. They argue that technological and economic constraints have limited the country’s ability to thoroughly assess the use of food additives. While the EFDA’s directive leans heavily on Codex standards, experts stress that these are minimum standards. They also highlight the lack of community engagement in discussions about the risks of food additives
The new rules are expected to have an economic impact on food manufacturers and exporters, particularly those dealing in processed foods. Most injera exporters have relied on chemicals like benzoates to extend the shelf life of their products, which are often shipped to markets as far away as North America.
An anonymous injera exporter revealed that some manufacturers use potassium sulfate to keep the flatbread fresh during long flights, though these additives can trigger allergic reactions such as skin rashes and asthma.
Although he acknowledges the potential health risks associated with their use, he emphasises on the need for preservatives to meet international demand.
"It stays fresh for over eight days,” the exporter said.
PUBLISHED ON
Oct 21,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1272]
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