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.