European Commission Adds Hesperetin Dihydrochalcone to EU Approved Food Flavourings List

Details of the Update

The corrigendum corrects and replaces the annex of a previous regulation to add hesperetin dihydrochalcone, described as a synthetic sweetener derived from citrus flavonoids to the authorised flavouring substances framework. The updated annex specifies maximum allowable concentrations for the substance across defined food categories. 

The regulation authorises the use of hesperetin dihydrochalcone at a maximum level of 10 mg/kg in the listed categories. Permitted uses include certain dairy products, dairy analogues, fruit and vegetable-based foods, beverages, savoury crackers, and other specified processed foods. Within the regulatory classification, only savoury crackers fall under category 7.2, while only dairy, dairy analogues, and fruit or vegetable-based products are included under category 16. Stakeholders must ensure formulations comply with the category-specific limits when using this flavouring agent. 

Effective Date

The corrigendum permitting the use of hesperetin dihydrochalcone as an authorised flavouring substance is effective as of 12 February 2026, the date of publication, and applies immediately with no transitional period.

Why It Matters

This corrigendum provides regulatory clarity by formally aligning the Union list with authorised uses and concentration limits for a newly approved flavouring substance. It supports digital alignment and enforcement consistency across EU food regulations while introducing minimal additional compliance burden, as requirements are limited to formulation checks against defined thresholds.

Who This Is Relevant For

This update is relevant for Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, R&D, and Product Compliance teams within food manufacturing, importing, and distribution organizations operating in or supplying the EU market.

Next Steps

Regulatory and quality teams should review ingredient specifications and product formulations to confirm compliance with the newly established maximum levels for each applicable food category. R&D and commercial functions may need to adjust formulations or labelling where products incorporate this flavouring substance. 

As regulatory updates to food additives and flavourings continue to evolve across jurisdictions, staying ahead of effective dates and category-specific limits is critical. RegASK is a leading agentic AI regulatory intelligence and workflow orchestration platform that empowers global organizations in highly regulated sectors, including consumer products and life sciences, to proactively navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By combining advanced Agentic AI with experts in the loop, RegASK delivers timely predictive actionable insights and end-to-end automation, streamlining compliance processes, mitigating risks, and accelerating market access across more than 160 countries. Learn more or book a demo now. 

FAQs

What is hesperetin dihydrochalcone under EU food regulations?

It is a synthetic sweetener derived from citrus flavonoids that has been added to the EU Union list of approved flavouring substances with defined maximum use levels.

What is the maximum permitted level for hesperetin dihydrochalcone?

The regulation authorises its use at a maximum concentration of 10 mg/kg in specified food categories.

Which food categories are covered by the corrigendum?

Permitted categories include certain dairy products, dairy analogues, fruit and vegetable-based foods, beverages, and savoury crackers, with category-specific inclusions defined in the annex.

How can RegASK support compliance with this update?

RegASK helps organizations track enforced regulatory changes, assess formulation impact by category, and coordinate internal reviews, enabling faster and more confident compliance with EU food flavouring requirements.