Notifications for Canada (1150 notifications)

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of potassium polyaspartate in wine.Health Canada's Proposal to Enable the Use of Potassium Polyaspartate to Inhibit Crystal Formation in Wine [NOP/ADP-0035] was published on 24 July 2020. The proposal was open to the public for comment for 75 days. No comments were received during this period.The results of the premarket assessment support the safety and efficacy of potassium polyaspartate for its requested use. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of potassium polyaspartate as described in the information document below by modifying the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses, effective 22 February 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for inquiries or for those wishing to submit new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

The objective of the notified document PMRL2021-05 is to consult on the listed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for thiabendazole that have been proposed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).MRL (ppm)1        Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity10                      Mangoes, papayas9.0                     Bananas21 ppm = parts per million2 This MRL is proposed to replace the current MRL of 0.4 ppm for bananas.

The objective of the notified document PMRL2021-03 is to consult on the listed maximum residue limit (MRL) for propiconazole that has been proposed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).MRL (ppm)1             Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity0.01                      Wheat2,31 ppm = parts per million2 It is proposed that the existing MRL of 0.09 ppm for wheat be revised to 0.01 ppm.3 It is proposed that the existing MRL of 0.2 ppm for wheat bran and wheat germ be revoked. Following the revocation of the 0.2 ppm MRL for wheat bran and germ, these wheat commodities will be regulated under the proposed wheat MRL of 0.01 ppm.

The objective of the notified document PMRL2021-04 is to consult on the proposed MRL revocations and revisions for dimethoate and corresponding commodities identified in the PMRL.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of Spirulina extract in various foods. Spirulina extract is already permitted for use as a colouring agent in a variety of foods at a maximum level consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of Spirulina extract for the new uses of interest to the petitioner. Consequently, Health Canada has extended the use of Spirulina extract as described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents, effective 8 February 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for inquiries or for those wishing to submit new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of β-amylase from Bacillus flexus AE-BAF as a food enzyme in various foods: brewers' mash used in the production of ale, beer, light beer, malt liquor, porter, stout; bread, flour, whole wheat flour; starch used in the production of dextrins, dextrose, glucose (glucose syrup), glucose solids (dried glucose syrup) or maltose; and unstandardized bakery products. β-amylase from barley malt is already permitted for use in Canada as a food enzyme in the manufacture of all the foods of interest to the petitioner other than brewers' mash. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of β-amylase from B. flexus AE-BAF for its requested uses. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of β-amylase from this source described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes, effective 9 February 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

The objective of the notified document PMRL2021-02 is to consult on the listed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for flupyradifurone that have been proposed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).MRL (ppm)1          Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity9.0                      Celtuce, fresh Florence fennel leaves and stalks8.0                      Tropical and subtropical palm fruits, edible peel (crop subgroup 23C)6.0                      Kohlrabies3.0                     Sesame seeds0.70                   Sunflowers (crop subgroup 20B) (revised), Texas prickly pear pads0.30                   Pineapples0.01                   Stalk and stem vegetables (crop subgroup 22A, except celtuce2, fresh Florence fennel leaves and stalks2, kohlrabies3, prickly pear pads4, Texas prickly pear pads51 ppm = parts per million2 Celtuce and fresh Florence fennel leaves and stalks are excluded from this MRL action as a separate MRL of 9.0 ppm is proposed for these commodities.3 Kohlrabies is excluded from this MRL action as a separate MRL of 6.0 ppm is proposed for the commodity.4 Prickly pear pads are excluded from this MRL action as an MRL of 0.70 ppm is already established for the commodity.5 Texas prickly pear pads are excluded from this MRL action as a separate MRL of 0.70 ppm is proposed for the commodity. An MRL is proposed for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website.

The objective of the notified document PMRL2021-01 is to consult on the listed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for difenoconazole that have been proposed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).MRL (ppm)1       Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity8.0                   Garden beet tops, radish tops0.6                   Root vegetable (crop subgroup 1A)21 ppm = parts per million2 This MRL is proposed to replace the current MRLs for carrot and sugar beet roots. An MRL is proposed for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of xylanase from Aspergillus acidus RF7398 in bread, flour, whole wheat flour, pasta, and unstandardized bakery products. Xylanase from other sources is already permitted for use in Canada as a food enzyme in the manufacture of all the foods of interest to the petitioner, other than pasta. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of xylanase from Aspergillus acidus RF7398 for its requested uses. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of xylanase from this source described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes, effective 1 February 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for carfentrazone-ethyl notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1355 (dated 20 November 2020) was adopted 8 February 2021. The proposed MRL was established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and is provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity0.10                  Tree nuts (crop group 14-11)1 ppm = parts per millionAn MRL is established for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website.MRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for tetraconazole notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1351 (dated 18 November 2020) was adopted 4 February 2021. The proposed MRLs were established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and are provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity2.0                     Liver of cattle, goats, horses and sheep21.0                    Barley bran0.9                    Rapeseeds (crop subgroup 20A) (revised)0.5                    Barley flour; milk fat; wheat germ0.3                    Barley; fat of cattle, goats, horses and sheep3; fruiting vegetables (crop group 8-09)0.15                  Cucurbit vegetables (crop group 9); wheat bran0.09                  Dried shelled pea and bean (except soybean) (crop subgroup 6C)0.08                  Meat by-products of cattle, goats, horses and sheep (except liver),4 wheat flour0.06                  Milk50.05                  Wheat0.03                  Fat of poultry0.02                 Meat and meat by-products of poultry0.01                 Eggs, field corn, popcorn grain1 ppm = parts per million2 The MRL replaces the currently established MRL of 0.05 ppm.3 The MRL replaces the currently established MRL of 0.02 ppm.4 The MRL replaces the currently established MRL of 0.02 ppm.5 The MRL replaces the currently established MRL of 0.01 ppm.An MRL is established for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website. MRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

CFIA is updating the Canadian Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals list (SSL) and adding or removing the above 19 species of aquatic animals to align with recent changes to the species listed in various disease specific chapters of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Code. The following 12 aquatic animal species, included in Chapters 03 and 05, will be added to CFIA's Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals list: Cyclopterus lumpusGambusia holbrookiLampetra planeriMelanotaenia fluviatilisNotemigonus crysoleucasPungitius pungitiusRutilus kutumRutilus frisiiSalmo marmoratusSalmo obtusirostrisSander luciopercaand Palaemonetes pugio. The following seven aquatic animal species, included in Chapters 03 and 05, will be removed from the Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals list: Acipenser transmontanus Aulorhynchus flavidusLeuciscus idusMaccullochella peeliiPoecilia reticulata Salvelinus leucomaenisand Tinca tinca. The 12 species to be added to the SSL will now require zoosanitary export certification when being exported to Canada unless the commodity is in a product form (e.g. eviscerated or head off) for human consumption end uses where certification is not required. The seven species being removed from the SSL will no longer require zoosanitary export certification for any end use in Canada. The CFIA Automated Import Reference System (https://www.inspection.gc.ca/importing-food-plants-or-animals/plant-and-plant-product-imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409) will be updated to reflect the changes to the SSL as of 31 March 2021. In addition, the SSL will be incorporated by reference in the Health of Animals Regulations and Schedule III repealed. This change will facilitate CFIA's ability to make periodic changes to the SSL to align with the annual revisions to disease specific Chapters of the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code. Trade impact as a result of the above changes are expected to be minimal. CFIA import data indicates that there has historically been a low volume of trade of the species being added and removed.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published an updated policy regarding the animal health conditions for import of milk and milk products. Beginning in April 2021, new import conditions reflecting the updated policy will be published in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS): Import Requirements - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (https://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/airs_external/english/decisions-eng.aspx) for foods and beverages containing milk or milk products as defined under the Canadian Health of Animals Regulations (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._296/). Foods and beverages containing milk or milk products that are consumer pre-packaged and stable when stored at ambient temperature before opening may be imported from any country of origin and zoosanitary certification is not required. Any food and beverage products containing milk that are not consumer prepackaged (for example imported in bulk) or require refrigeration or freezing before opening may only be imported from countries with a veterinary certification system that has been approved by the CFIA, and must be accompanied by a zoosanitary certificate meeting CFIA requirements for import of milk and milk products. There are two changes to be made: 1) Removal of the informal "50% rule" used to determine whether a commodity with milk or milk products as an ingredient must meet the animal health requirements for import of milk. Previous import conditions for multi-ingredient commodities containing milk were based on the percentage of milk in the product on a dry matter basis. This is being replaced by a risk-based model, where commodities in final consumer-ready packaging that are shelf stable at room temperature are exempt from the animal health requirements for milk. Commodities not meeting these criteria will be treated as milk, and must be accompanied by zoosanitary certification from a country with a veterinary certification system approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; 2) Commodities defined as milk, including foods and beverages containing milk or milk products that are not consumer prepackaged or not shelf stable at room temperature, originating from countries not recognized by the CFIA as free of foot and mouth disease, must undergo two pathogen-reducing treatments. One of these treatments can be a reduction in ph. The requirement for a lowering of pH value to be used as a treatment will change from pH 5 to pH 6, and the required time will be reduced to one hour from two hours, for consistency with international recommendations.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of caramel as a colouring agent in a flavouring preparation used in the manufacture of flavoured cheddar cheese. The caramel is added to the flavouring preparation to improve the visibility of swirls of the flavouring preparation in the finished cheese. The caramel is not intended to impart colour to the entire cheese. Caramel is already permitted for use in Canada as a colouring agent in various standardized and unstandardized foods. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of caramel for its requested use. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of caramel described in the information document below by modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents, effective 22 January 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for inquiries or for those wishing to submit new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for trifludimoxazin notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1350 (dated 3 November 2020) was adopted 26 January 2021. The proposed MRLs were established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and are provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity 0.01                  Legume vegetables (succulent or dried) (crop group 6), citrus fruits (crop group 10) (revised), pome fruits (crop group 11-09), tree nuts (crop group 14-11), cereal grains (crop group 15), annual canarygrass seeds, peanuts, eggs; fat, meat and meat by-products of cattle, goats, hogs, horses, poultry and sheep; milk1 ppm = parts per millionAn MRL is established for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website.MRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for triallate notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1347 (dated 23 October 2020) was adopted 18 January 2021. The proposed MRL was established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and is provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity0.05                  Annual canarygrass seeds1 ppm = parts per millionMRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for pyrethrins notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1348 (dated 23 October 2020) was adopted 18 January 2021. The proposed MRLs were established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and are provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1     Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity1.0                   Blueberries20.15                 Low growing berries (crop subgroup 13-07G, except lowbush blueberries)31 ppm = parts per million2 The established MRL of 1.0 ppm for blueberries is revised to "highbush blueberries" and "lowbush blueberries" to reflect current terminology.3 Lowbush blueberries are excluded from this MRL action as a 1.0 ppm MRL is already established for this commodityAn MRL is established for each commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/residue-chemistry-crop-groups.html) in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of the Canada.ca website.MRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for glufosinate-ammonium notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1346 (dated 23 October 2020) was adopted 18 January 2021. The proposed MRL was established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and is provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity0.3                    Strawberries1 ppm = parts per millionMRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of pectinase from Aspergillus niger in unstandardized fruit and vegetable products. Pectinase from A. niger is already permitted for use in Canada as a food enzyme in several foods, including certain unstandardized fruit and vegetable products at a level consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice. Pectinase from sources other than A. niger is also permitted for such use in all unstandardized fruit and vegetable products but pectinase from A. niger is not permitted more broadly in this same manner. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of pectinase from A. niger for its requested use. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of pectinase described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes, effective 5 January 2021. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

The proposed maximum residue limit (PMRL) document for trinexapac-ethyl notified in G/SPS/N/CAN/1344 (dated 8 October 2020) was adopted 31 December 2020. The proposed MRLs were established via entry into the Maximum Residue Limits Database and are provided directly below:MRL (ppm)1      Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or Processed Commodity24.0                    Wheat bran3.0                    Barley, oats, wheat0.02                  Meat by-products of cattle, goats, hogs, horses, poultry and sheep0.01                  Eggs; fat and meat of cattle, goats, hogs, horses, poultry and sheep; milk1 ppm = parts per million2 The residue definition for trinexapac-ethyl is the metabolite trinexapac acid.MRLs established in Canada may be found using Health Canada's Maximum Residue Limit Database (http://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/mrl-lrm/index-eng.php) on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/pesticides-food/maximum-residue-limits-pesticides.html). The database allows users to search for pesticides or for food commodities.