Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate) as an emulsifier in canned coconut milk.

Polysorbate 60 is already permitted for use in Canada as an emulsifier in assorted unstandardized foods.

As no safety concerns were raised through Health Canada's assessment the Department has enabled the food additive use of polysorbate 60 described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents (https://www.canada.ca/en/healt...), effective 14 August 2017.

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.