Written Q&A to EU Commission – Steviol glycosides/energy reduced jam

Question for written answer E-005732/12 to the Commission Hermann Winkler (PPE) (7 June 2012)
Subject: Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 amending Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to steviol glycosides

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 dated 11 November 2011 amending Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to steviol glycosides sets down a list of the food additives permitted for use in foods in the European Union and their conditions for use.

Part E of Annex II of this regulation lists approved foods and conditions for use according to food category. Column 6 of the table contains restrictions/exceptions.

1. Is it the case that the restriction ‘only energy-reduced jams, jellies and marmalades’ under Category C4.2.5.1. ‘Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC’ is interpreted to mean that steviol glycoside may only be used in energy-reduced jams, jellies and marmalades and that only for these products, by way of exception, is the use of steviol glycoside permitted?

2. If not, is the restriction interpreted in such a way that steviol glycosides may not be used in energy-reduced jams, jellies and marmalades?
Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission (17 August 2012)
The Commission Regulation referred to by the Honourable Member authorises the use of steviol glycosides in the food Category C4.2.5.1. ‘Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC (1)’ as well as in the food Category C4.2.5.1. ‘Jam, jelly and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC’. In both categories steviol glycosides, expressed as steviol equivalents can be used with a maximum amount of 200 mg/kg, provided that the products are energy reduced. This means that the energy value should be reduced by at least 30% compared with the original food or a similar product.