Health Canada's Proposal to Revise Permitted Uses of the Food Additives Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben and their Sodium Salts in Various Foods  – Reference Number: NOP/ADP-0033

Health Canada's Food Directorate is proposing modifications to the parabens' food uses with the objective of ensuring that these uses are up to date and reflective of actual uses in foods sold in Canada. Consequently, Health Canada intends to revise the food categories and maximum levels of use for methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben), propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (propyl paraben), and their sodium salts (sodium salt of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoic acid and sodium salt of propyl-p-hydroxybenzoic acid) in Part 2 of the List of Permitted Preservativeshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/11-preservatives.html) as described in the information document.
The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's intention 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 these food additives.