Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Colouring Agents to Enable the Use of Spirulina Extract in Various Foods – Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0152 [2020-09-04]

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of Spirulina extract as a food colouring agent.

Health Canada published a Proposal to Enable the Use of Spirulina Extract as a Colouring Agent in Various Foods [NOP/ADP-0034] on January 9, 2020. The proposal was open to the public for comment for 75 days. A summary of the responses received from stakeholders and Health Canada's replies is available in the information document referenced below.

The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of Spirulina extract for use as a colouring agent. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the uses of Spirulina extract described in the information document below by modifying the List of Permitted Colouring Agents, effective September 4, 2020.

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 Colouring Agents to Enable the Use of Spirulina Extract in Various Foods - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0152, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to hc.publications-publications.sc@canada.ca with the words "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0152-eng" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Contact Information
Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the safety in use of any permitted food additive, including Spirulina extract. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this additive or to submit any inquiries on this modification may do so in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you wish to contact the Food Directorate electronically, please use the words "Spirulina extract (NOM-0152)" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway
Tunney's Pasture, PL: 2202C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
E-mail: hc.bcs-bipc.sc@canada.ca

Supporting Information
Food Additives