The DTI-Export Marketing Bureau informs all Philippine cephalopods (octopus or squid) exporters of the adoption by the European Commission of Regulation 2022/141 allowing the use of sodium carbonates (E 500) and potassium carbonates (E 501) as acidity regulators for unprocessed cephalopods. Annex II of Regulation No. 1333/2008 on food additives authorizes the use of both additives in a wide variety of food including "processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans," at quantum satis, i.e. no maximum levels.

Further, since the use of phosphates (E 338 - 452 below) is restricted only to frozen and deep-frozen molluscs and crustaceans, the use of sodium carbonates (E 500) and potassium carbonates (E 501) as an alternative to phosphates in unprocessed cephalopods should be restricted only to frozen and deep-frozen cephalopods not treated with phosphoric acid — phosphates — di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338-452).

DTI strongly advises all stakeholders to monitor developments on this regulation. For further questions and clarification, you may contact EMB Market Officers for Europe at mid@dti.gov.ph and/or the Philippine Trade and Investment  Center – Brussels at brussels@dti.gov.ph.

Further information on this regulation can be accessed through this link.