Notice of Modification to the List of permitted supplemental ingredients to enable the use of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine in supplemented foods

Health Canada's Food Directorate has assessed L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (also called alpha GPC or choline alfoscerate) for use in supplemented foods. This ingredient was previously identified by the Food Directorate for further assessment since it was an ingredient that was present in product(s) that were eligible to transition to the food regulatory framework, from the natural health products framework, under Temporary Marketing Authorizations.The Food Directorate concluded that information related to the safety of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supports its safe use in supplemented foods as a source of supplemental choline provided the levels of use do not exceed the previously established maximum levels for choline, and that certain other labelling requirements are met. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine described in the information document by modifying the List of permitted supplemental ingredients, effective 20 September 2023.