Notice of Modification to the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods to Add a Maximum Level for Cyanide in Apricot Kernels – Reference Number: NOM/ADM C-2019-1

Health Canada published a Proposal to add cyanide in apricot kernels to the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods - Reference Number: NOP/ADP C-2018-1, which outlined three different options. The proposal was published on 18 December 2018 and was open for public comment for 75 days.https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/public-involvement-partnerships/proposal-update-maximum-levels-cyanide-apricot-kernals.html (English)https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/aliments-nutrition/participation-public-partenariats/proposition-visant-mettre-jour-concentrations-maximales-cyanure-amandes-apricots.html (French)A number of comments were submitted in response to this Notice of Proposal and were taken into consideration in the selection of the most suitable risk management approach. These comments are summarized in the Notice of Modification document below.Health Canada's selected option is to add a new ML of 20 parts per million (ppm) total extractable cyanide in apricot kernels sold for human consumption, which is also applicable to apricot kernels used as an ingredient in other foods, to the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods.Therefore, Health Canada will modify the regulatory List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods, effective 25 January 2020, 6 months from the day this notice is published.https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/chemical-contaminants/contaminants-adulterating-substances-foods.html (English)https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/aliments-nutrition/salubrite-aliments/contaminants-chimiques/contaminants-adulterantes-aliments.html (French)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 information relevant to Health Canada's scientific assessment.