Labeling Foods with Sweeteners in the EAEU

Sweeteners are an important tool for reduced-sugar and sugar-free foods, but their use also affects ingredient declarations, warning statements and nutrition claims. Within the Eurasian Economic Union, key requirements are established by TR CU 022/2011 on food labeling and TR CU 029/2012 on food additives, flavorings and processing aids.

When a food additive is present, the ingredient list generally identifies its functional class and the name of the additive; where permitted, the name can be replaced by the corresponding INS or E-number.

If an additive can perform several functions, the declaration should reflect the function for which it is used in the specific product.

Example: neotame can function as a sweetener or as a flavor enhancer. Depending on the formulation purpose, the declaration would identify it accordingly, for example as “sweetener: neotame” / “sweetener E961” or as “flavor enhancer: neotame” / “flavor enhancer E961”.

Products containing certain sweeteners require additional wording.

Aspartame and aspartame-acesulfame salt: applicable EAEU labeling rules require a statement indicating that the product contains a source of phenylalanine.

Polyols: products containing sugar alcohol sweeteners may require a statement that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect. The exact requirement depends on the applicable regulation and product formulation.

TR CU 022/2011 also establishes conditions for voluntary statements relating to energy value, sugars and dietary fiber. Depending on the finished-product composition and the criteria in the regulation, examples may include:

• reduced, low or zero energy value;
• sugar-free / low sugar;
• no added sugar;
• contains naturally occurring sugars only;
• source of fiber / high in fiber.

The wording is determined by the actual composition and legal criteria. For example, a beverage in which added sugar has been completely replaced may qualify for a different claim from a juice-containing drink whose fruit ingredients naturally contribute sugars.

Sweetener choice can affect not only taste and cost but also the mandatory label and the marketing statements available to the brand. Building the regulatory strategy at the beginning of product development helps avoid late reformulation.

WM develops sweetening systems with consideration for the food matrix, sensory profile and EAEU requirements, including sugar-free and reduced-sugar concepts.

Reference resources: EAEU TR CU 022/2011 — Food Products in Terms of Their Labeling; EAEU TR CU 029/2012 — Safety Requirements for Food Additives, Flavorings and Processing Aids; Codex Alimentarius — GSFA.