Food additive Stearic Acid Enabled in Pre-Cooked (Instant) Breakfast Cereals  - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0117

Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses to Enable the Use of Stearic Acid as an Antifoaming Agent in Pre-Cooked (Instant) Breakfast Cereals - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0117

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of stearic acid as an antifoaming agent in pre-cooked (instant) breakfast cereals. 

Stearic acid is already permitted for use in Canada as a release agent in unstandardized confectionery, a plasticizing agent in chewing gum, and a release agent and lubricant in foods sold in tablet form.

As no safety concerns were raised through Health Canada’s assessment, the Department has enabled the use of the food additive stearic acid described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses, effective June 1, 2018.

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 Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses to Enable the Use of Stearic Acid as an Antifoaming Agent in Pre-Cooked (Instant) Breakfast Cereals - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0117, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to hc.publications-publications.sc@canada.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0117-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 stearic acid. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this 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 "stearic acid (NOM-0117)" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate

Supporting Information

Food Additives