Update to the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents to Correct the Entries for Ethyl Acetate Permitted for Decaffeinating Coffee and Tea and for Methyl Alcohol to be Used as an Extraction Solvent in Manufacturing Steviol Glycosides
Background
Health Canada's Food Directorate has become aware of two instances where editorial errors had been listed within the Lists of Permitted Food Additives. Both instances were determined to be the result of past editorial errors where maximum residue limits were incorrectly listed as maximum levels of use. The instances in question were limited to the entries within the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents for ethyl acetate permitted for use as an extraction solvent for decaffeinating green coffee beans and tea leaves, and for methyl alcohol permitted for use as an extraction solvent in manufacturing steviol glycosides.
Therefore, Health Canada has modified the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents to correct these permitted food additive uses, effective September 3, 2015. The complete details of these corrections are summarized within the notice of modification document, which is available below.
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 these food additives.
Information Document
To obtain an electronic copy of the Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents to Correct the Entries for Ethyl Acetate Permitted for Use as an Extraction Solvent for Decaffeinating Green Coffee Beans and Tea Leaves and for Methyl Alcohol Permitted for Use as an Extraction Solvent in Manufacturing Steviol Glycosides - Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0059, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0059-eng".
Contact Information
Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the safety in use of any food additive, including ethyl acetate and methyl alcohol. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of these food additives or to submit any inquiries may do so in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you wish to contact the Food Directorate electronically, please use the words "Corrective modifications to List 15" in the subject line of your e-mail.