Ethyl maltol is a food additive as long as it is not used illegally. Ethyl maltol is a flavor enhancer, which plays a significant role in improving and enhancing food flavor. The national food safety standard "Standard for the Use of Food Additives" (GB276-2 14) stipulates that edible spices and flavors should not be added to vegetable oil, that is, ethyl maltol should not be used.
The state implements a licensing system for the production of food additives; Food producers and business operators shall use food additives in accordance with the national standards for food safety. The state implements a licensing system for the production of food additives; Food producers and business operators shall use food additives in accordance with the national standards for food safety. Food producers should use food additives in accordance with the provisions of food safety standards on the variety, scope and dosage of food additives; Chemical substances other than food additives and other substances that may endanger human health shall not be used in food production.
Legal basis:
People's Republic of China (PRC) Food Safety Law
Article 39 The state practices a licensing system for the production of food additives. The competent department of an enterprise engaged in the production of food additives shall have a place, production equipment or facilities, professional and technical personnel and management system suitable for the varieties of food additives produced, and obtain a production license for food additives in accordance with the procedures specified in the second paragraph of Article 35 of this Law.
The production of food additives shall comply with food safety laws, regulations and national standards.
Article 40 Food additives shall be technically necessary and proved to be safe and reliable through risk assessment before they can be included in the permitted scope of use; Relevant national standards for food safety shall be revised in a timely manner according to the technical necessity and the results of food safety risk assessment.
Food producers and business operators shall use food additives in accordance with the national standards for food safety.