Russia Bans Use of Two Additives

WASHINGTON - Jan 27/05 - SNS -- Russia intends to ban imports of food products that have been processed or manufactured using the preservatives E216 (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (propyl paraban)) and E217 (sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate).

However, the U.S. agricultural attache for the country notes, "No starting date for the application of this import prohibition was specified. It is believed that it went into force effective immediately . . . though this has not been confirmed."

The use of these additives will also be prohibited in the domestic food processing industry beginning March 1, 2005.

This measure follows changes in European Union (EU) regulations (HP 95/2/EC) that prohibited the use of these food preservatives in the EU starting on January 1, 2005 for confectionary products and in meat production.

In addition to the prohibition, the Resolution also states that Russia's Nutrition Institute is to conduct a complete toxicological and hygienic study these of food additives.