Candida utilis (Strain ATCC 9950)

Strain ATCC 9950

What is it?

• Candida utilis ATCC 9950 is a fungus that could have a number of industrial, consumer or commercial uses.
• Candida utilis ATCC 9950 has characteristics in common with other strains of the species Candida utilis, which are found in nature.

How is it used?

• Candida utilis ATCC 9950 is currently used in Canada for a variety of applications including food production and processing.
• The characteristics of Candida utilis ATCC 9950 make it also suitable for use in various other applications, including bioremediation and the production of biochemicals.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, this Priority B (medium hazard) micro-organism on the Domestic Substances List (DSL) must undergo an assessment to determine whether it has the potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This is done under the Chemicals Management Plan.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to Candida utilis ATCC 9950 from the use of consumer or commercial products containing this strain, and to a lesser extent from environmental media.

How is it released to the environment?

• Candida utilis ATCC 9950 may be released to the Canadian environment from its deliberate addition to consumer or commercial products, or its use in industrial processes in Canada.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Candida utilis ATCC 9950, called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population in Canada and to the Canadian environment.
• Candida utilis ATCC 9950 is not considered to be harmful.
• Hazards related to micro-organisms used in the workplace should be classified accordingly under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that Candida utilis ATCC 9950 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment and human health in Canada.
• Furthermore, foreseeable new activities involving Candida utilis ATCC 9950 are not expected to cause harm.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Candida utilis ATCC 9950 on May 28, 2016.
• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada will take no further action on Candida utilis ATCC 9950.

What can Canadians do?

• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions, and to dispose of the products appropriately.