Notice of intent to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to update the beer compositional standards (7 pages, available in English and French)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency intends to modernize the beer compositional standards and is seeking feedback on the proposed changes to the Food and Drug Regulations prior to developing and notifying regulatory amendments. Proposed changes to the beer compositional standard include:

•  Allowing yeast and mixtures of yeast and other micro-organisms for fermentation;

•  Removal of the current requirement relating to the aroma, taste and character of beer;

•  Addition of a maximum 4 percent residual sugar limit in the final product as sold to consumers;

•  Removal of permitted food additives to rely on Health Canada's Lists of Permitted Food Additives;

•  Removal of processing aids for consistency with other compositional standards;

•  Further clarification of the term "carbohydrate" and allowing it to be added at any time during processing;

•  Clarifying the allowance for herbs and spices;

•  Allowing use of flavouring preparations with a mandatory labelling statement;

•  Removal of the standard for ale, stout, porter and malt liquor.

Food additives and processing aids permitted for use in beer would not change under this proposal. Food additive are included in Health Canada's "Lists of Permitted Food Additives".

Amendment of Food and Drug Regulations will be required to address allergen risks associated with the proposed changes.