Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents to Enable the Use of Polysorbate 80 in Seasonings and Rice-Based Ready-to-Eat Cereals
Background
Health Canada's Food Directorate received two separate food additive submissions seeking approval for the use of polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) in seasonings and in rice-based ready-to-eat cereals.
Polysorbate 80 is already permitted for use in Canada as an emulsifier in several standardized and unstandardized foods. The results of Health Canada’s evaluation of available scientific data support the safety of polysorbate 80 when used in seasonings and in rice-based ready-to-eat cereals as requested by the petitioners. Therefore, Health Canada has modified the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents, effective September 15, 2015, to extend the use of polysorbate 80 as described in the information document.
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 this food additive.
Information Document
To obtain an electronic copy of the Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents to Enable the Use of Polysorbate 80 in Seasonings and Rice-Based Ready-to-Eat Cereals - Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0060, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0060-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 polysorbate 80. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this food 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 "polysorbate 80" in the subject line of your e-mail.