Flavouring Group Evaluation 217: alpha,beta-Unsaturated ketones and precursors from chemical subgroup 4.1 of FGE.19: Lactones

The Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (the Panel) was asked to provide scientific advice for the Commission on the implications for human health of chemically defined flavouring substances used in or on foodstuffs in the Member States. In particular, the Panel was asked to evaluate flavouring substances using the Procedure as referred to in the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. The present Flavouring Group Evaluation 217 (FGE.217) concerns 12 substances. The 12 substances correspond to subgroup 4.1 of FGE.19. Ten of the substances are alpha,beta-unsaturated lactones [FL-no: 10.023, 10.030, 10.034, 10.036, 10.042, 10.046, 10.054, 10.060, 10.066 and 13.012], which by hydrolysis and oxidation give rise to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones, and two substances [FL-no: 10.043 and 10.057] are precursors for the two alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones 2,7-dimethy1-4-oxo-oct-5,7-dienoic acid and 3-methyl-6-(1-carboxyethyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-one, respectively. 6-Methylcoumarin [FL-no: 13.012] is not considered genotoxic and will therefore be allocated to FGE.80Revl for evaluation through the Procedure. Based on the data available, a genotoxic potential of the remaining substances in the present FGE cannot be excluded. Therefore, the Panel concluded that they presently cannot be evaluated through the Procedure. Additional data on genotoxicity for representative substances of this subgroup should be provided according to the Genotoxicity Test Strategy for Substances Belonging to Subgroups of FGE.19.