Microbiological criteria for food (ICS Codes: 67.050; 07.100.30)

Proposal to modify the tables of Microbiological Criteria for Food and Microbiological Reference Methods for Food and publish a new guidance document. Language(s): English and French. Number of pages: -

Health Canada conducted a comprehensive review of microbiological criteria for food. The review considered current scientific evidence, surveillance and epidemiological data, risk assessments, results of previous targeted consultations, comments received during the modernization of Part B of the Food and Drug Regulations, and international comparisons. The proposed criteria are considered achievable by industry and realistic to implement. As a result of the review, Health Canada is proposing to:

·      update the regulatory microbiological criteria (i.e., microbiological standards) in the Table of Microbiological Criteria for Food and the Table of Microbiological Reference Methods for Food;

·      publish a new guidance document containing some of the updated non-regulatory microbiological criteria (i.e., microbiological guidelines) currently outlined in the 2008 Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) Standards and Guidelines for Microbiological Safety of Food – An Interpretive Summary.

The purpose of this document is to publicly announce Health Canada's intention in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for those wishing to submit comments, inquiries or new scientific information relevant to the proposed modifications.