Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents to Enable the Use of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) as a Solvent in the Manufacture of Steviol Glycosides

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of the use of methyl alcohol (methanol) as an extraction solvent for steviol glycosides.

Methyl alcohol (methanol) is already permitted for use in Canada as a solvent in natural extractives, spice extracts, hop extract as well as in meat and egg marking inks.

As no safety concerns were raised through this assessment, the Department has enabled the food additive use described in the information document by updating the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents, effective August 19, 2014. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision 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

To obtain an electronic copy of the Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Carrier or Extraction Solvents to Enable the Use of Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) as a Solvent in the Manufacture of Steviol Glycosides- Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0033, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0033-eng".

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 methyl alcohol. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this 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 "methanol" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Supporting Information

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