CAN/427/Rev.2
WTO/TBT
CA Canada
  • 22 - Boissons, liquides alcooliques et vinaigres
2018-09-14
2018-06-25

Beer (includes Ale, Stout, Porter, and Malt Liquor)

Proposed regulations to amend the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to update the beer compositional standards (7 pages, available in English and French)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is proposing a modernized beer compositional standard and is seeking feedback on the proposed changes to the FDR. These regulatory amendments include:

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

·         Removing the current requirement relating to the aroma, taste and character of beer;

·         Adding a 4 percent residual sugar limit in the final product;

·         Removing the listing of permitted food additives within the standard to rely on Health Canada's Lists of Permitted Food Additives; Removing  the listing of processing aids for consistency with other compositional standards;

·         Clarifying the term "carbohydrate" with examples;

·         Clarifying the allowance for herbs and spices;

·         Allowing the use of flavouring preparations with a mandatory labelling statement;

·         Repealing 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". It is also proposed to amend the Food and Drug Regulations to remove the existing labelling exemptions provided to beer for allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites.