Category: Canada
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EFSA Declines to Revise BPA Risk Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavorings, and processing aids has released its latest risk assessment for bisphenol A, concluding that there was not any “new evidence which would lead them to revise the current Tolerable Daily Intake [TDI] for BPA of 0.05 mg/kg body weight set . .…
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Canadian Health Ministers Agree to Reduce Dietary Salt Standards
Canadian health ministers reportedly met in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to discuss several health initiatives, including a plan to reduce the daily recommended intake of sodium to 2,300 mg from 3,400 mg by 2016. According to a September 14, 2010, press release issued by Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky, government officials in attendance considered…
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Groups Object to Proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standards
A coalition representing more than 40 consumer, environmental and scientific groups has submitted a comment to the Canadian General Standards Board Committee (CGSBC), objecting to several provisions in a proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard. According to a press release, the joint letter alleges that the draft standard “is contrary to the basic principles of organics…
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Canada to Place BPA on List of Toxic Substances
Environment Canada has reportedly announced its intention to place bisphenol A (BPA) on the country’s list of toxic substances within eight to 10 weeks, thus ending a regulatory process started in April 2008 when the government first banned polycarbonate baby bottles. According to a recently released letter from Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the agency has…
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Sodium Working Group in Canada Issues Report
The Canadian Sodium Working Group (SWG) has released a report detailing a three-pronged strategy that aims to reduce the public’s salt consumption. After examining the issue for two years, the federally mandated group has established an interim sodium intake goal of a population average of 2,300 mg per day by 2016, with the ultimate goal…
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Health Canada Says BPA in Canned Foods Poses No Risk; Germany Advises Manufacturers to Find Alternatives
Health Canada’s Bureau of Chemical Safety has released a survey of bisphenol A (BPA) in canned foods that finds low rates of exposure and no risk to public health. Researchers apparently examined samples from 78 domestic and imported canned food products, including pastas, soups, tomato paste, tuna and vegetables. The results indicated that canned tuna…
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Health Canada Seeks Feedback on Potential Changes to Gluten-Free Labeling
Health Canada has issued a proposed policy intent that would update current gluten-free labeling guidelines to reduce risks related to the accidental consumption of undeclared gluten and expand choices for consumers following a gluten-free diet. Gluten, a protein found in cereal grains such as wheat, barley and rye, can trigger the autoimmune disorder celiac disease…
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Canadian Government Considers Changes to “Made in Canada” Label
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials recently solicited public and industry feedback on a proposal to loosen country-of-origin labeling guidelines by exempting specific ingredients difficult to obtain in Canada. The amendment would reportedly exclude imported salt, sugar and other spices from provisions that require processed products labeled “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” to obtain…