Notice of Modification to Remove Epichlorohydrin From the List of Permitted Starch-Modifying Agents and 2-Nitropropane From the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents
Background
The Federal Government completed a detailed safety assessment of epichlorohydrin and 2-nitropropane (2-NP), which also considered the current uses as food additives. Epichlorohydrin is permitted for use in the manufacture of modified food starch and 2-NP is permitted for use in the fractionation of vegetable oils. Since the current scientific information does not support the safety in use of either of these two additives, Health Canada completed a consultation on the proposal to remove epichlorohydrin from the List of Permitted Starch-Modifying Agents and 2-NP from the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents.
Since no new scientific information was submitted to support continuing to permit the use of these two substances as food additives, Health Canada has removed epichlorohydrin from the List of Permitted Starch-Modifying Agents and 2-NP from the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents, effective June 29 2016.
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 Remove Epichlorohydrin From the List of Permitted Starch-Modifying Agents and 2-Nitropropane From the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents - Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0074, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0074-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 epichlorohydrin and 2-NP. 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 "Epichlorohydrin and 2-NP" in the subject line of your e-mail.