Rebaudioside M and microwave-compatible RFID

EFSA has found no safety concern with a new enzymatic process for rebaudioside M, but considers a separate specification entry necessary. Tageos has introduced RAIN RFID inlays intended to remain on food packaging during microwave defrosting or heating.

Rebaudioside M: positive safety conclusion, separate entry recommended

EFSA has assessed a manufacturing process in which purified steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana are enzymatically converted into a food additive containing more than 95% rebaudioside M. The three enzymes are produced by the genetically modified production strain Escherichia coliK-12 DSM 35119. Neither viable cells nor DNA from the strain were detected in the final product; according to the dossier, at least 99% of the food enzyme total organic solids are removed. The Panel identified no safety concern for rebaudioside M produced by this process [1].

The critical regulatory point is its distinction from the authorised E 960c specifications. EFSA concluded that the starting material, enzyme source and information on residual protein, residual solvents and particle size do not fully align with the existing entries for E 960c(i) or E 960c(ii). The Panel therefore recommends creating a new entry in the specifications under Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 [1]. The positive assessment does not itself extend the Union list. Before the additive can be placed on the market under the proposed identity, the Commission must implement the authorisation and specification in legislation; the existing entries and conditions of use continue to apply in the meantime [2][3].

For users, the designation “rebaudioside M” must therefore be linked to its manufacturing identity. Supplier specifications and approval records need to identify the precise process, starting material, production organism and corresponding legal identity. Only the future legal act will establish which purity parameters and evidence become mandatory. The acceptable daily intake for steviol glycosides remains unchanged; the assessment concerned the manufacturing route rather than a higher use level [1].

Tageos: an RFID inlay intended to remain on the pack in a microwave

French RFID manufacturer Tageos has introduced two RAIN RFID inlays for packaged food. According to the company, the antenna geometry of the EOS-450 MW variants is engineered to resist arcing and sparking under defined microwave conditions. The label is consequently intended to remain on suitable packaging during defrosting or heating. The variants use different chip platforms and have been announced in dry or self-adhesive formats with paper or plastic facestocks [4].

The technical development addresses a critical discontinuity in digital item-level identification. An RFID label that must be removed limits applications such as inventory and expiry-date management, traceability, loss prevention and self-checkout, particularly for convenience foods. If the data carrier remains on the pack, the item's digital identity can persist through retail, storage and preparation [4]. It does not replace statutory food information or batch-level traceability in the operator's inventory system.

Approval of the inlay alone is insufficient for a packaging application. The complete combination of inlay, adhesive, label, packaging material, food, positioning, microwave power and heating time has to be qualified. Tageos has not published a test matrix, independent certification or data covering all packaging and product configurations. Microwave compatibility and performance statements therefore remain company claims. Before rollout, manufacturers will also need to validate read range with products rich in water or metal, migration and mechanical integrity after heating, and the integration of the EPC identifier into batch, date and recall processes.

Yours, Andreas Gebhart

Sources

All sources last checked and accessed on 21 September 2026.

1. EFSA: Safety evaluation of rebaudioside M produced via enzymatic conversion of purified steviol glycosides leaf extracts, 17 September 2026.
2. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Arts. 4 and 10 and Annex II.
3. Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Art. 1 and Annex.
4. Tageos: EOS-450 MW – microwave-compatible RAIN RFID inlays for food packaging, company announcement of 15 September 2026.

Note: These news items provide professional context and do not replace a legal, toxicological, technological or product-specific assessment. Image: AI-generated.