Notice of Health Canada’s proposal to revise permitted uses of the food additives methyl paraben, propyl paraben and their sodium salts in various foods

Reference Number: NOP/ADP-0033

November 15, 2019

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate is proposing modifications to the parabens' food uses with the objective of ensuring that these uses are up to date and reflective of actual uses in foods sold in Canada. Consequently, Health Canada intends to revise the food categories and maximum levels of use for methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben), propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (propyl paraben), and their sodium salts (sodium salt of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoic acid and sodium salt of propyl-p-hydroxybenzoic acid) in Part 2 of the List of Permitted Preservatives as described in the information document referenced below.

The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's intention 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

Health Canada's proposal to revise permitted uses of the food additives methyl paraben, propyl paraben and their sodium salts in various foods - Reference Number: NOP/ADP-0033

Contact information

Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the safety in use of any food additive that is permitted in Canada or is under consideration for approval in Canada, including methyl paraben, propyl paraben and their sodium salts. 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 "parabens (NOP-0033)" in the subject line of your e-mail. Health Canada is able to consider information received by January 28, 2020, 75 days from the date of this posting.

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