UK Flavour Association outlines aims

10-Jul-2012 - Last updated on 11-Jul-2012 at 14:14 GMT

The UK Flavour Association has outlined its core aims following its launch in London, saying it will be a crucial voice for its members on quality control, technical and regulatory issues.

The organisation previously known as the British Essence Manufacturers Association told FoodNavigator it aimed to increase its profile and membership and improve networking and communication with UK organisations.

“There are companies out there that previously didn’t realise we existed,” said Jane Route, manager, corporate compliance, quality control and regulatory UK at Symrise, who chairs the association. “Now we have a strong image. We would now look to engage with stakeholders. We would also look to become the first point of contact for flavour issues.”

Steve Morgan, managing director of Synergy UK and vice-chairman of the association said it had strong links with regulators in the European Commission via the European Flavour Association. There was also a clear line of communication between this and the International Organisation of the Flavouring Industry. “There is now an enthusiasm to develop relationships the UK main regulatory bodies,” said Morgan.

Immediate issues

Key immediate issues that the trade group would be focusing on included the ongoing work by the European Food Safety Authority to update the list of permitted EU flavourings, said Route. “We anticipate this will be published later this year.”

In addition, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ consultation on the EU Food Information Regulation would be another major area of work. “We need to make sure there is harmonisation and common interpretation [of the legislation] across the industry,” said Route. “We will try to get more proactive engagement in that process earlier.”

Morgan said the major trends observed by the association and reflected most frequently in its members concerns included the continued push towards natural flavours and the implications for labelling. Sodium reduction was another high profile issue flavours firms were grappling with, said Route.

In a statement, the UK Flavours Association said it would provide a forum for discussion of consumer and business issues that are impacting the industry.

The association currently has 34 members, all of which are flavours manufacturers and suppliers within the UK.