ARCHIVED - Consultation on Health Canada's Proposed Standard (Maximum Level) for the Presence of the Mycotoxin Patulin in Apple Juice and Unfermented Apple Cider

Health Canada's Bureau of Chemical Safety has completed its risk assessment of patulin, a mycotoxin found in rotting fruit, particularly in apples. Apple-derived products such as apple juice and unfermented apple cider may also contain patulin, usually at very low levels.

Patulin is a toxic fungal metabolite that may cause gastrointestinal irritation and kidney dysfunction, as well as immunotoxic, genotoxic, and clastogenic effects in many animal species.

As a result of this assessment, it was concluded that the formalization of a 50 ng/g standard (maximum level) for patulin in apple juice, including the apple juice portion of any juice blends or drinks, and unfermented apple cider is the appropriate risk management strategy. The purpose of this communication is to seek public comments on this proposed action.

How to get involved

This consultation is open for comment starting July 21, 2011 until October 04, 2011 (75 calendar days). Comments on this proposal may be submitted in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you are submitting your comments electronically, please use the word "patulin" in the subject box of your e-mail.

bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Health Canada, Bureau of Chemical Safety
Chemical Health Hazard Assessment Division
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, PL: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2
Attention: Chief, CHHAD

Consultation Document

Information Document on Health Canada's Proposed Standard (Maximum Level) for the Presence of the Mycotoxin Patulin in Apple Juice and Unfermented Apple Cider

Submissions must be received by October 04, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST, [75 days from date of posting].

Supporting Information

Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages (Codex Alimentarius Commission)

Code of Practice for the Production and Distribution of Unpasteurized Apple and Other Fruit Juice/Cider in Canada (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Food and Drug Regulations - Section B.11.120. Fruit Juices

Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising - 9.6.1 Beverages or Beverage Mixes Identified with Name of a Fruit (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Reporting to Canadians

Health Canada will make the results of this consultation available on this Web site. If you have any questions, contact the Bureau of Chemical Safety at bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca