Article 2

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs · European Union

1. Only the substances listed in Annex I may be used as colours in foodstuffs. 2. Colours may be used only in the foodstuffs listed in Annexes III, IV and V and under the conditions specified therein; colours may be used in those same foodstuffs when they are intended for particular uses in accordance with Directive 89/398/EEC (1). 3. Colours may not be used in the foodstuffs listed in Annex II except where specifically provided for in Annex III, IV or V. 4. Colours permitted for certain uses only are listed in Annex IV. 5. Colours permitted in general in foodstuffs and the conditions of use therefor are listed in Annex V. 6. The maximum levels indicated in the Annexes: relate to ready-to-eat foodstuffs prepared according to the instructions for use, refer to the quantities of colouring principle contained in the colouring preparation. 7. In the Annexes to this Directive 'quantum satis' means that no maximum level is specified. However, colouring matters shall be used according to good manufacturing practice at a level not higher than is necessary to achieve the intended purpose and provided that they do not mislead the consumer. 8. For the purpose of health marking as provided in Directive 91/497/EEC and other marking required on meat products, only E 155 Brown HT, E 133 Brilliant Blue FCF or E 129 Allura Red AC or an appropriate mixture of E 133 Brilliant Blue FCF and E 129 Allura Red AC may be used. 9. Only those colours mentioned in Annex I may be used for the decorative colouring of eggshells or for the stamping of eggshells as provided in Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91. 10. Only those colours listed in Annex I, except E 123, E 127, E 128, E 154, E 160b, E 161g, E 173 and E 180, may be sold directly to consumers. 11. Within the meaning of this Directive 'unprocessed' means not having undergone any treatment resulting in a substantial change in the original state of the foodstuffs. However, they may have been for example divided, parted, servered, boned, minced, skinned, pared, peeled, ground, cut, cleaned, trimmed, deep-frozen, frozen, chilled, milled or husked, packed or unpacked.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-11-08 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.