Update to the List of Permitted Sequestering Agents to Enable the Use of Calcium Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate as a Sequestering Agent in Some Unstandardized Beverages, Mixes and Concentrates

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (calcium disodium EDTA) as a sequestering agent in various unstandardized beverages, including fortified beverages, sports drinks, and non‑carbonated beverages, along with their mixes and concentrates, as well as unstandardized tea beverage mixes and concentrates.

Calcium disodium EDTA is already permitted for use in Canada as a sequestering agent in soft drinks and ready-to-drink teas, both of which are unstandardized beverages.

The results of Health Canada’s evaluation of available scientific data support the safety of calcium disodium EDTA when used as requested by the petitioner.

As no safety concerns were raised through this assessment, the Department has enabled the food additive use described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Sequestering Agents, effective April 1, 2015.

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 Sequestering Agents to Enable the Use of Calcium Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate as a Sequestering Agent in Certain Unstandardized Beverages, Certain Unstandardized Beverage Mixes and Certain Unstandardized Beverage Concentrates- Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0046, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0046-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 calcium disodium EDTA. 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 "calcium disodium EDTA" in the subject line of your e-mail.

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

Food Additives