Regulation (EU) 2022/2340 of 30 November 2022 amending Regulation 1925/2006 as regards green tea extracts containing EGCG was published on 1rst December in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply from 22 December 2022. Foodstuffs containing green tea extracts containing (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which do not comply with the requirements of this Regulation and were lawfully placed on the market before 21 December 2022 may remain on the market until 21 June 2023.

This regulation adds green tea extracts containing (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate (excluding aqueous green tea extracts containing (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate which after reconstitution in beverages have a composition comparable to traditional green tea infusions) :

– in Part B of Annex III to Regulation (EC) 1925/2006 (under restrictions):

Dose of EGCG < 800 mg / day (to be indicated on the label: content of (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate per portion of the food and maximum number of portions of the food for daily consumption). Mandatory warnings: warning not to consume a daily amount of 800 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate or more. “Should not be consumed if you are consuming other products containing green tea on the same day”. “Should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women and children below 18 years old”. “Should not be consumed on an empty stomach”.

– and in Part C of Annex III to Regulation (EC) 1925/2006, i.e. under Union scrutiny (under scrutiny because of scientific uncertainty: the industry will have to submit additional scientific data demonstrating the safety of the substances for a possible new assessment by EFSA; and the Commission should take a decision within four years).

Concretely, it corresponds to:

– a ban of green tea extracts containing a daily dose of EGCG greater than or equal to 800 mg/day

– and for lower doses: placing under restrictions (mandatory warnings) and under Union scrutiny.