Notice of Health Canada's Proposal to Remove "Solid cut meat " From the List of Foods that are Permitted to Contain Transglutaminase in the List of Permitted Food Enzymes - NOP/AVP-0020

July 05, 2016

Background

Following the approval of the enzyme transglutaminase for use as a binding agent in certain prepackaged poultry products and meat products, including solid cut meat, Health Canada's Food Directorate received a number of inquiries related to the possibility of microbial contamination in the interior of meat products that are formed from smaller pieces of meat using transglutaminase. Health Canada subsequently revisited the safety assessment by considering the manner in which consumers might reasonably be expected to prepare meat and poultry products made using transglutaminase and did identify a potential food safety risk.

Consequently, it is the intention of Health Canada to modify the List of Permitted Food Enzymes by removing the food category "Solid cut meat with or without added phosphate salts" from column 3 in the entry for sub-item T.01(8).

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 the safety of this food additive.

Information Document

Contact Information

Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the safety in use of any food additive, including transglutaminase. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this food additive or to submit any inquiries may do so in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you wish to contact the Food Directorate electronically, please use the words "transglutaminase" in the subject line of your e-mail. Health Canada is able to consider information received by September 17, 2016, 75 days from the date of this posting.

Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway
Tunney's Pasture, PL: 2202C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2
E-mail: bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Supporting Information

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