Potassium sorbate to oyster-flavoured sauces (ICS code: 67.220.20)

Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Preservatives to Extend the Use of Potassium Sorbate to Oyster-Flavoured Sauces. Language(s): English and French. Number of pages: 3 and 4

Health Canada's Food Directorate received a request seeking approval for the use of potassium sorbate as a preservative at a maximum level of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in oyster-flavoured sauces. Oyster-flavoured sauce is considered an unstandardized fish product in Canada, and consequently, is not permitted to contain potassium sorbate due to the exception captured under subitem S.9 (2) of Part 2 of the List of Permitted Preservatives.

The Food Directorate recently permitted the use of benzoic acid and its salts as Class 2 preservatives in oyster flavoured sauce based on the fact that there was no scientific evidence to soundly rationalize the establishment of the above mentioned exceptions for Class 2 preservatives in certain types of unstandardized foods. Therefore, Health Canada has extended the use of potassium sorbate described in the information document by modifying Part 2 of the List of Permitted Preservatives, effective 26 August 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 this food additive.