Ministerial Decree No. 209 governing food additives allowed in the preparation and preservation of foodstuffs in implementation of EEC Directives 94/34/CE, 94/35/CE, 94/36/CE and 95/31/CE.

The Decree applies to food additives used in the production or preparation of foodstuffs and still present in the end-product, even if modified. It does not apply to substances used for the protection of plants and plant products, spices and flavourings, substances having a particular nutritional value (e.g. vitamins, minerals, etc.). The additives are divided into several categories, which are listed out in Annex I. Requirements and criteria for the approval of the additives are established in Annex II. Article 3 makes provisions for the labelling of the food additives and states all the information to be provided in the labels. The Decree makes specific provisions on colorants, sweeteners and other additives, such as preservatives, antioxidants, acidifiers, etc. 19 Annexes concern, inter alia, the lists of additives allowed in the preparation of foodstuffs, conditions and requirements for their use, purity standards, etc.