Proposal to Update the Maximum Levels for Arsenic in Apple Juice and Water in Sealed Containers in the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods - NOP/AVP-C-2017-1

March 1, 2017

Background

Health Canada has conducted a scientific assessment which supports the development of a separate and lower maximum level (ML) for total arsenic in apple juice. As a result of this assessment, Health Canada is proposing to exclude apple juice from the existing ML for arsenic in fruit juice and establish a separate, lower ML of 0.015 p.p.m. for total arsenic in apple juice. This ML would also apply to apple juice when used as an ingredient in other foods and to apple juice concentrate when reconstituted to its ready-to-serve form. Furthermore, Health Canada is proposing to lower the existing ML for arsenic in water in sealed containers to 0.01 p.p.m. and extend the ML to apply to all types of bottled water, including mineral and spring water.

As a result of this assessment, it is the intention of Health Canada to modify Part 2 of the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods as described in the information document. 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 Health Canada's scientific assessment.

Information Document

Health Canada's Proposal to Update the Maximum Levels for Arsenic in Apple Juice and Water in Sealed Containers in the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods - Reference Number: NOP/AVP-C-2017-1

Contact Information

Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the scientific assessment of arsenic in apple juice and all types of water in sealed containers. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the assessment 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 "Arsenic MLs for Apple Juice and Bottled Water" in the subject line of your e-mail. Health Canada is able to consider information received by May 14, 2017, 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 0L2
E-mail: bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Supporting Information

Chemical Contaminants