In Canada, food additive is defined as any chemical substance that is added to food during preparation or storage and either becomes a part of the food or affects the food's characteristics for achieving a particular technical effect.
All permitted food additives and their conditions of use are listed in the Lists of Permitted Food Additives, which contains 15 classes of food additives, such as anticaking agents, bleaching, colouring agents, sweeteners, and etc. It is noteworthy that processing aids, food ingredients, vitamins/minerals/amino acids, spices/seasonings/flavouring preparations, agricultural chemicals, veterinary drugs, and food packaging materials are excluded from the scope of food additives.
Based on scientific assessment, Health Canada will notify the approval of new food additives and the usage extensions of existing additives. This article tracks and collects the regulatory updates on food additives in 2023.
On December 12, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0211 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to extend the use of allura red as a colouring agent in fruit flavoured beer. Details are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
(3.1) Allura Red | (1) Lumpfish caviar | (1) 1300 p.p.m. used singly |
(2) Fruit flavoured beer | (2) 10 p.p.m. |
On November 20, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOP/ADP-0042, planning to enable the use of chitosan from white button mushrooms (Agaricusbisporus) as a preservative in numerous foods at maximum levels of use ranging from 150 parts per million (ppm) to 1,500 ppm. Public comments can be sent to hc.bcs-bipc.sc@canada.ca before February 2, 2024. Details are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
C.3 Chitosan from Agaricus bisporus (average molecular weight 90 to 120 kDa and degree of deacetylation not less than 80%) | (1) Apricot nectar; Concentrated (naming the fruit) juice; Concentrates for unstandardized beverages containing fruit juice; Fruit-based or dairy-based smoothie beverages; Fruit-flavoured drinks; (naming the fruit) Juice; (naming the fruits) Juice; Peach nectar; Pear nectar; Unstandardized beverages containing fruit juice | (1) 600 p.p.m. |
(2) Bread; Unstandardized bakery products | (2) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(3) Caffeinated energy drinks; Unstandardized alcoholic beverages; Unstandardized fermented tea beverages; Unstandardized non-alcoholic water-based beverages; Unstandardized tea beverages; Unstandardized vegetable juices; Water-based beverages with vitamin and mineral nutrients added, except beverages with vitamins added in accordance with Part D of the Food and Drug Regulations | (3) 400 p.p.m. | |
(4) Cheddar cheese; (naming the variety) Cheese; Cold-pack (naming the variety) cheese; Cold-pack cheese food; Cold-pack (naming the variety) cheese with (naming the added ingredients); Cold-pack cheese food with (naming the added ingredients); Cottage cheese; Cream cheese; Cream cheese with (naming the added ingredients); Cream cheese spread; Cream cheese spread with (naming the added ingredients); Processed cheese food; Processed cheese food with (naming the added ingredients); Processed cheese spread; Processed cheese spread with (naming the added ingredients); Processed (naming the variety) cheese; Processed (naming the variety) cheese with (naming the added ingredients); Unstandardized cheese-based sauces; Unstandardized processed cheese products; Unstandardized shredded cheese products | (4) 1,500 p.p.m. | |
(5) Egg-based desserts; Fruit-based desserts | (5) 800 p.p.m. | |
(6) Fillings; Toppings; Unstandardized table syrups | (6) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(7) Fresh pasta; Fresh noodles | (7) 200 p.p.m. | |
(8) Frostings; Icings | (8) 400 p.p.m. | |
(9) Liquid plant protein isolate-based products that resemble egg products | (9) 1,500 p.p.m. | |
(10) Liquid soup bases; Liquid soup mixes; Soups | (10) 400 p.p.m. | |
(11) Liquid table-top sweeteners | (11) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(12) Meal replacement bars; Nutritional supplement bars | (12) 200 p.p.m. | |
(13) Plant-based products that resemble cheese | (13) 1,500 p.p.m. | |
(14) Relishes | (14) 800 p.p.m. | |
(15) Simulated meat products; Simulated poultry products | (15) 1,500 p.p.m. | |
(16) Unstandardized coffee beverages | (16) 150 p.p.m. | |
(17) Unstandardized confectionery coatings | (17) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(18) Unstandardized fruit spreads | (18) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(19) Unstandardized salad dressings | (19) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(20) Unstandardized sauces | (20) 1,000 p.p.m. | |
(21) Unstandardized snack bars | (21) 200 p.p.m. | |
(22) Unstandardized vegetable purées | (22) 400 p.p.m. | |
(23) Yogurt | (23) 1,000 p.p.m. |
On November 3, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0210 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to update the permitted use of Amaranth in foods, in order to reduce the possibility of excessive dietary exposure to this food color. The updated use requirements for Amaranth are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
3.2.1 Amaranth | (1) Apple (or rhubarb) and (naming the fruit) jam; Fig marmalade with pectin; (Naming the fruit) jam with pectin; (Naming the fruit) jelly with pectin; Pineapple marmalade with pectin | (1) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 300 p.p.m. |
(2) Concentrates for unstandardized non-carbonated fruit flavoured beverages; Mixes for unstandardized non-carbonated fruit flavoured beverages | (2) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 90 p.p.m. in the beverage as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in the beverage as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 90 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the beverage as consumed not to exceed 90 p.p.m. | |
(3) Cream soda; Grape soda; Unstandardized non-carbonated fruit-flavoured beverages | (3) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 90 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 90 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 90 p.p.m. | |
(4) Eggnog; Yogurt | (4) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 15 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 15 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 15 p.p.m. | |
(5) Hard candies | (5) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 50 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 50 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 50 p.p.m. | |
(6) Ice cream mix | (6) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 55 p.p.m. in the ice cream in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in the ice cream in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 55 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the ice cream not to exceed 55 p.p.m. | |
(7) Ice milk mix | (7) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 55 p.p.m. in the ice milk in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in the ice milk in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 55 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the ice milk not to exceed 55 p.p.m. | |
(8) Liqueur; Unstandardized alcoholic beverages | (8) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 300 p.p.m. | |
(9) (Naming the flavour) milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (Naming the flavour) skim milk; (Naming the flavour) skim milk with added milk solids; Unstandardized dairy beverages, except eggnog | (9) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 50 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 50 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 50 p.p.m. | |
(10) Sherbet | (10) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 55 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 55 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 55 p.p.m. | |
(11) Smoked fish | (11) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 50 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 50 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 50 p.p.m. | |
(12) Snack foods | (12) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 250 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 250 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 250 p.p.m. | |
(13) Unstandardized bakery products | (13) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 40 p.p.m. in the food as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in the food as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 40 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food as consumed not to exceed 40 p.p.m. | |
(14) Unstandardized confectionery for use in the manufacture of ice cream and ice milk; Unstandardized foods for use in the manufacture of foods set out in this item | (14) Good Manufacturing Practice | |
(15) Unstandardized desserts, except unstandardized frozen desserts; Unstandardized dessert toppings | (15) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 100 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 100 p.p.m. | |
(16) Unstandardized dessert mixes | (16) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 100 p.p.m. in the food as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in the food as consumed in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 100 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food as consumed not to exceed 100 p.p.m. | |
(17) Unstandardized dressings for salads | (17) If used singly, the total amount not to exceed 150 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 150 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 150 p.p.m. | |
(18) Unstandardized frozen desserts | (18) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 55 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 55 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 55 p.p.m. | |
(19) Unstandardized fruit spreads; Unstandardized sauces for dipping | (19) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 300 p.p.m. | |
(20) Unstandardized seasonings | (20) If used singly, the amount not to exceed 200 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations. If used in any combination with allura red, brilliant blue FCF, erythrosine, fast green FCF, indigotine, sunset yellow FCF or tartrazine, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 p.p.m. in accordance with section B.06.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations, provided that the amount of amaranth does not exceed 200 p.p.m. and the amount of brilliant blue FCF or fast green FCF, or both, does not exceed 100 p.p.m. In any case, including where amaranth is added pursuant to subitem 3.2.1(14), the total amount of amaranth in the food not to exceed 200 p.p.m. |
On October 11, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0209 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of Cellulase from Trichoderma reesei RF11412 in Brewers' mash and Distillers' mash, with the requested maximum level as "Good Manufacturing Practice".
On September 28, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0208 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of Pectinesterase from Aspergillus oryzae AR-962 and Polygalacturonase from Aspergillus oryzae AR-183 in certain fruit and vegetable products. Details are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
(P.3) (ii) Pectinesterase | Aspergillus oryzae AR-962 | (1) Single-strength fruit juices | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Unstandardized fruit and vegetable products | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(3) Wine | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(P.3) (iii) Polygalacturonase | Aspergillus oryzae AR-183 | (1) Single-strength fruit juices | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Unstandardized fruit and vegetable products | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(3) Wine | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On September 13, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0207 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of saccharomyces cerevisiae LALL-LI in bread, flour, whole wheat flour and unstandardized bakery products. The requested maximum level of use for this food enzyme is Good Manufacturing Practice.
On August 3, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0206 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of xylanase from Trichoderma reesei RF5427 in a variety of foods. Details are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
(X.1) Xylanase | Trichoderma reesei RF5427 | (1) Bread; Flour; Whole wheat flour | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Brewers' mash | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(3) Distillers' mash | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(4) Unstandardized bakery products | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On June 28, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0205 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of β-glucanase, cellulase and xylanase from Rasamsonia emersonii in a variety of foods. Details are as follows:
Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
(C.2) Cellulase; (G.2) (i) β-Glucanase; (X.1) Xylanase | Rasamsonia emersonii (previous name: Talaromyces emersonii) | (1) Bread; Flour; Whole wheat flour | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Breakfast cereals | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(3) Brewers' mash | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(4) Malt extract | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(5) Plant-based products that resemble dairy products; Plant-based products that resemble dairy-based products | (5) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(6) Plant-based products that resemble meat products including simulated meat products; Plant-based products that resemble poultry meat products including simulated poultry products | (6) Good Manufacturing Practice | ||
(7) Unstandardized bakery products | (7) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On June 9, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0204 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of maltogenic α-amylase from B. subtilis ROM in bread, flour, whole wheat flour, and unstandardized bakery products. The requested maximum level of use for this food enzyme is Good Manufacturing Practice.
On May 31, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0203 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents to enable the use of alpha-Cyclodextrin in various foods. Notably, α-Cyclodextrin is a new food additive in Canada. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
C.19 | α-Cyclodextrin | (1) Beverage whiteners | (1) 1% |
(2) Icings; Unstandardized dips; Unstandardized emulsified sauces except unstandardized dressings for salads | (2) 3% | ||
(3) Unstandardized bakery products | (3) 2% | ||
(4) Unstandardized dressings for salads | (4) 5% | ||
(5) Yogurt | (5) 2.5% |
On May 24, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0202 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to extend the use of gold to cold smoked salmon products. Notably, gold is already permitted for use in Canada in liqueur and unstandardized alcoholic beverages. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
7. | Gold | (1) Unstandardized alcoholic beverages; Liqueur | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Ready-to-eat cold-smoked salmon | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice. To decorate the surface. |
On May 23, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0201 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of carboxypeptidase D from Aspergillus oryzae AT1727 in various foods. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
C.01 | (i) Aspergillus oryzae AT1727 | Bacillus licheniformis PP6107 | (1) Bread; Flour; Whole wheat flour | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Colby cheese | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(3) Dairy-based flavouring preparations | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(4) Hydrolyzed animal, milk and vegetable protein; Hydrolyzed yeast | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(5) Spray-dried cheese powder | (5) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(6) Meat tenderizing preparations | (6) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(7) Plant-based products that resemble dairy products; Plant-based products that resemble dairy-based products; Plant-based products that resemble egg products; Plant-based products that resemble meat products including simulated meat products; Plant-based products that resemble poultry meat products including simulated poultry products | (7) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(8) Pre-cooked (instant) breakfast cereals | (8) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(9) Unstandardized bakery products | (9) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(10) Yeast extract | (10) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On April 27, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0200 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of alpha-Amylase from Bacillus subtilis AR-651 in bread, flour, whole wheat flour and unstandardized bakery products. The requested maximum level of use for this food enzyme is Good Manufacturing Practice.
On March 31, 2023, Health Canada unveiled NOM/ADM-0198 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents to correct conditions of use for food additives in sour cream. For food additives used in sour cream, the corrected conditions of use are as follows: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm; If used in any combination with other emulsifying, gelling, stabilizing or thickening agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. This total combined amount does not include any of monoglycerides, mono- and diglycerides, potassium phosphate, dibasic or sodium phosphate, dibasic that may be added up to their respective maximum levels of use set out in this list.
On March 28, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0199 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of beta-amylase (β-amylase) from Bacillus flexus AE-BAF in mochi and dango, which are glutinous rice cakes. The requested maximum level of use for this food enzyme is Good Manufacturing Practice.
On March 9, 2023, Health Canada issued NOP/ADP-0040, proposing to amend the regulations on the use of aluminum-containing food additives. Comments can be sent to bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca before May 22.
The main amendments are as follows: (1) Revise the list of permitted anticaking agents. Delete all permitted uses of calcium aluminum silicate; (2) Delete all permitted uses of sodium aluminum phosphate from the list of permitted emulsifiers, gelling, stabilizing, or thickening agents; (3) Delete all permitted uses of aluminum sulfate in canned crab meat, lobster, salmon, shrimp, tuna, pickles and other foods; delete the provisions on the use of ammonium aluminum sulfate in pickles and non-standard foods; (4) The specific proposed revisions are shown in the table below:
Food additive | Food | Previous maximum level | Proposed maximum level |
Sodium Aluminum Silicate | Salt | 1.0% (2.0% for fine grained salt) | 5,000 p.p.m |
Garlic salt; Onion salt | 2.0% | 5,000 p.p.m | |
Aluminum Metal | Unstandardized confectionery, except chewing gum | Good Manufacturing Practice | 670 p.p.m |
Potassium aluminum silicate-based iron oxide, potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide and potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide and iron oxide | Unstandardized confectionery | 1.25% | 2,500 ppm |
Unstandardized alcoholic beverages | 0.5% | 1,000 ppm | |
Gelatin desserts and unstandardized bakery products | 0.15% | 260 ppm | |
Chocolate | 0.15% | 300 ppm | |
Ammonium aluminum sulphate | Baking powder | Good Manufacturing Practice | 3.5%, calculated as aluminum |
Aluminum sulphate | Starch used in the manufacture of modified starch for use in confectionery | Good Manufacturing Practice | 330 p.p.m., calculated as aluminum |
On March 2, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0196 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of transglutaminase from Streptomyces mobaraensis M2020197 in various foods.
Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
T.01 | Transglutaminase | Bacillus licheniformis PP6107 | (1) Blend of prepared fish and prepared meat referred to in paragraph B.21.006(n) | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Brawn; Headcheese; Meat loaf or meat by-product loaf; Meat lunch; Meat roll; Prepared meat or prepared meat by-product (Division 14); Preserved meat or preserved meat by-product (Division 14); Pumping pickle, cover pickle and dry cure employed in the curing of preserved meat or preserved meat by-product; Sausage; (naming the prepared meat or prepared meat by-product) with (naming the non-meat ingredients) | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(3) Bread, Flour; Whole wheat flour | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(4) Pasta | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(5) Plant-based products that resemble dairy products; Plant-based products that resemble egg products; Plant-based products that resemble meat products, including simulated meat products; Plant-based products that resemble poultry meat products, including simulated poultry products | (5) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(6) Plant protein concentrates; Plant protein isolates | (6) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(7) Prepared poultry meat or prepared poultry meat by-product; Preserved poultry meat or preserved poultry meat by-product | (7) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(8) Tofu; Tempeh | (8) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(9) Unstandardized bakery products | (9) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(10) Unstandardized cheese products | (10) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(11) Unstandardized cream cheese products | (11) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(12) Unstandardized frozen dairy desserts | (12) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(13) Unstandardized prepared fish products | (13) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(14) Unstandardized processed cheese products | (14) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(15) Yogurt | (15) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On February 27, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0197 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses to extend the use of acetic acid to 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), which is to be used as an ingredient in infant formula and nutritional supplements for children 1 to 3 years of age (12-47 months). Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted in or upon | Column 3 Purpose of Use | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
A.02 | Acetic acid | 2'-Fucosyllactose, including 2'-fucosyllactose for use in infant formula | Crystallization aid and washing agent | Good Manufacturing Practice. Residue of acetic acid not to exceed 1.0% in 2'-fucosyllactose. In the case of infant formula, residue of acetic acid not to exceed 1.0% in 2'-fucosyllactose and 12 ppm in the food as consumed. |
On February 22, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0195 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of subtilisin from Bacillus licheniformis PP6107 in various foods. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
P.6 | (iii) Subtilisin | Bacillus licheniformis PP6107 | (1) Hydrolyzed animal, milk and vegetable protein | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) Hydrolysed yeast | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(3) Plant-based products that resemble dairy products; Plant-based products that resemble dairy-based products | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(4) Plant-based products that resemble egg products | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(5) Plant-based products that resemble meat products including simulated meat products; Plant-based products that resemble poultry meat products including simulated poultry products | (5) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On February 6, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0193 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to enable the use of lactase from Bacillus subtilis DH617 in certain dairy foods.
Lactase from other sources has been allowed in lactose-reducing enzyme preparations and certain dairy products in Canada. Prior to this notice, B. subtilis DH617 was not a permitted source for any food enzyme in Canada. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 2 Permitted Source | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 4 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
L.1 | Lactase | Bacillus subtilis DH617 | (1) Lactose-reducing enzyme preparations | (1) Good Manufacturing Practice |
(2) (naming the flavour) Malted milk; (naming the flavour) Milk; (naming the flavour) Partly skimmed milk; (naming the flavour) Partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (naming the flavour) Skim milk; (naming the flavour) Skimmed milk with added milk solids | (2) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(3) Milk destined for use in ice cream mix | (3) Good Manufacturing Practice | |||
(4) Whey | (4) Good Manufacturing Practice |
On February 2, 2023, Health Canada issued NOM/ADM-0194 with immediate effect, modifying the List of Permitted Sweeteners to extend the use of erythritol in granola and other ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals and coatings for RTE breakfast cereals. Details are as follows:
Item No. | Column 1 Additive | Column 3 Permitted in or Upon | Column 3 Maximum Level of Use and Other Conditions |
E.1 | Erythritol | (22) Coatings for ready-to-eat breakfast cereals; Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals | (22) 30% in the coating. The amount of erythritol in the finished cereals not to exceed 11.6%. |