Update to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Extend the Use of Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, and Iron Oxide as Colouring Agents to Unstandardized Bakery Products, Gelatin Desserts and Standardized Bite Sized Chocolate
Background
Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of mica-based titanium dioxide, mica-based iron oxide, and mica-based titanium dioxide and iron oxide colouring agents for unstandardized bakery products, gelatin desserts and standardized bite sized chocolates. The mica component of these food additives is muscovite, which is naturally-sourced potassium aluminum silicate.
Potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide, as well as potassium aluminum silicate-based iron oxide, and potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide and iron oxide are already permitted for use in Canada as colouring agents.
As no safety concerns were raised through this assessment, the Department has enabled the food additive use described in the information document by updating the List of Permitted Colouring Agents, effective October 7, 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 the Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Extend the Use of Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Iron Oxide, and Potassium Aluminum Silicate-Based Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide as Colouring Agents to Unstandardized Bakery Products, Gelatin Desserts and Standardized Bite Sized Chocolate- Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0061, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0061-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 potassium aluminum silicate-based colouring agents. 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 "potassium aluminum silicate-based colouring agents" in the subject line of your e-mail.