On October 9, 2023, according to the Official Journal of the European Union, on October 6, the European Commission issued implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2108, Amending the provisions of Implementing Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 relating to food additives nitrite (E249-250) and nitrate (E251-252). Major revisions include:

(1) (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex II is amended in accordance with Annex I to the Regulation. Mainly revised the definition of food classification, revised the limit standard and scope of application of nitrite and nitrate in meat products and cheese products;

(2) Annex (EU) No 231/2012 is amended in accordance with Annex II to this Regulation. Mainly revised potassium nitrite and other nitrite related specifications;

(3) Food products which do not comply with the provisions of Annex I and which have been legally placed on the market before their respective applicable dates may continue to be marketed up to their minimum shelf life or "use-by" period. Potassium nitrite (E249) and/or sodium nitrite (E250) and/or sodium nitrite (E251) and/or potassium nitrite (E252) legally placed on the market before 29 October 2023, if they do not comply with the maximum limits for lead, mercury and arsenic as set out in Annex II applicable from 29 October 2023, It may be added to foodstuffs in accordance with Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 until 29 April 2024. Food containing the food additives potassium nitrite (E249) and/or sodium nitrite (E250) and/or sodium nitrite (E251) and/or potassium nitrite (E252) that were legally placed on the market before 29 October 2023 and do not meet the maximum limits for lead, mercury and arsenic set out in Annex II applicable from 29 October 2023, May remain on the market until 29 April 2024 and may continue to be sold until its minimum shelf life or "use-by" period;

(4) This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Regulation is fully binding and directly applicable to all Member States.