Notice of Modification - List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods

Notice of Modification to the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods to Update the Maximum Level for Arsenic in Water in Sealed ContainersBackgroundHealth Canada published a Proposal to Update the Maximum Levels for Arsenic in Apple Juice and Water in Sealed Containers in the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods – Reference Number: [NOP/ADP C-2017-1] (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/public-involvement-partnerships/proposal-update-maximum-levels-arsenic-apple-juice-water-sealed-containers/document.html) on 1 March 2017 which was open to the public for comments for 75 days (G/SPS/N/CAN/1097). No new scientific information was submitted to the Department during the comment period in response to the portion of this Notice of Proposal pertaining to water in sealed containers. However, a number of comments were received in response to Health Canada's proposal to lower the maximum level (ML) for arsenic in apple juice. In order for Health Canada to fully consider the information and comments received regarding that proposal, the Department will only be proceeding with a Notice of Modification for a lower ML for water in sealed containers at this time.Therefore, Health Canada will update the maximum level for arsenic in water in sealed containers, effective 14 May 2018, by modifying Part 2 of the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/chemical-contaminants/contaminants-adulterating-substances-foods.html) as described in the information document below. This date is twelve months following the close of the Notice of Proposal comment period.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 Health Canada's scientific assessment.http://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2017/SPS/CAN/17_3739_00_e.pdfhttp://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2017/SPS/CAN/17_3739_00_f.pdf