Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Enable the Use of Calcium Carbonate in Unstandardized Confectionery - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0124

Health Canada's Food Directorate received a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of calcium carbonate as a colouring agent in the manufacture of hard and soft candies and in inks for writing on various confections. Calcium carbonate is already permitted as food additive for use in Canada in various foods, including unstandardized confectionery, in theList of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agentshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/4-emulsifying-gelling-stabilizing-thickening-agents.html), the List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agentshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/10-adjusting-agents.html), and the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/8-other-accepted-uses.html).As no safety concerns were raised through Health Canada's assessment, the Department has enabled the use of the food additive calcium carbonate, as described in the information document below, by updating the List of Permitted Colouring Agentshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/3-colouring-agents.html) effective 6 September 2018.
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.