Food standards for edible glitter and dusts

Edible glitter and dusts are the inseparable parts of today’s food and dessert industry. From housewives to the large scale industrial bakers, all use them to create the shimmering perfection on their’s cakes, cupcakes and pastries. But the glittering products are required to be used under the guideline developed by the Food Standard Agecy. The general rules set by the agency are as follows:

• The shimmering dust or glitters labeled “edible” only can be consumed in any food item. These must be made up by edible and non-hazardous ingredients.

•  If the edible glitter or dust contains any permitted additives, it must be mentioned clearly on the cover of the pack. Such additives must comply the rules and standards of EU food additive legislation.

• If the glitters are of non-toxic and inedible type that are only for the decorative purpose and not to eat, and they  also meet the guidelines set by the EU food standard agency, they should be labeled “for food contact” and “ not for consumption”. The manufacturer is also required to mention the instructions for use.

If there is no clear display of the edibility of the glitter on the cover, the customer is legally authorized to ask the dealer or contact with the manufacturer for safety concern. The FSA authorities are also available to consider the customer complaints.