CAN/1428
WTO/SPS
CA Kanada
  • 67 - Lebensmitteltechnologie
2022-05-14
2022-03-10

Cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (ICS Code: 67.220)

Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Anticaking Agents to Extend the Use of Cellulose and Microcrystalline Cellulose to Cubed, Diced, Grated or Shredded Plant-based Products that Resemble Cheese. Language(s): English and French. Number of pages: 3

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of cellulose as an anticaking agent in non-dairy (i.e., plant-based) cheese flavoured preparations that are grated, shredded, cubed or diced.

Both cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose are already permitted as anticaking agents in cubed, diced, grated or shredded cheddar cheese and other standardized varieties of cheese, as well as unstandardized cubed, diced, grated or shredded cheese preparations.

The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose for use as anticaking agents in plant-based products that resemble cheese that are cubed, diced, grated or shredded. Consequently, Health Canada has extended the use of cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose as described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Anticaking Agents, effective 1 March 2022.

The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for those wishing to submit an inquiry or new scientific information relevant to the safety of these food additives.