Update to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Enable the Use of Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide, as Colouring Agents, in Certain Unstandardized Foods
Background
Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of mica-based iron oxide, mica-based titanium dioxide, and mica-based titanium dioxide and iron oxide as colouring agents in unstandardized confectionery and chewing gum at a maximum level of use of 1.25%, and in unstandardized alcoholic beverages at a maximum level of use of 0.5%.
Since this is a food additive that was not previously permitted for use in Canada, Health Canada published a Notice of Proposal to Enable the Use of a Three New Colouring Agents; Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Iron Oxide; Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide; and Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide in Certain Unstandardized Foods on January 26, 2015, requesting comments. The comment period was open for 75 days, during which no new scientific information about this additive was submitted to the Department.
As no safety concerns were raised through this assessment, the Department has enabled the food additive use described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Colouring Agents, effective May 28, 2015. 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 thethe Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Enable the Use of Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Iron Oxide, Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide, and Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide, as Colouring Agents, in Certain Unstandardized Foods - Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0051, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0051-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 mica-based colouring agents. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this additive 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 "mica-based colouring agents" in the subject line of your e-mail.