European Community food additive laws passed in 1995 are now in force in all 15 states of the European Union. Within Europe there are very few food additives that can be used in all foods and drinks. For example, preservatives and antioxidants are strictly controlled and foods and drinks that are allowed to contain these additives are detailed in the law. This upper limit is measured on the basis of the amount of free sorbic or benzoic acid. Preservative contents are being monitored by the enforcement agencies and shipments of products containing the wrong combinations or higher than permitted levels are being refused entry.
Similar controls apply to the addition of antioxidants to products.
Ascorbic acid and sodium and calcium ascorbates are permitted in liquid supplements and non-alcoholic drinks and are some of the additives with no official limit on input. With the exception of the tocopherols, which are not appropriate in an aqueous medium, no other antioxidants are permitted in Aloe vera supplements or drinks. Manufacturers wanting to export products to Europe should undertake careful checks to ensure that they comply with all the additive regulations in force. In addition to preservatives and antioxidants, there are controls on colours, sweeteners, polyols and all technological additives, such as acidity regulators. European laws on labeling are also significantly different from the USA, both in respect of general labeling requirements and nutrition labeling.