To: Canadian Food Distributors, Packers, Importers and
Wholesalers
Protective edible coatings and waxes are part of the post-harvest and
handling technologies routinely used by the fresh produce industry to minimize
moisture loss, prolong the shelf life, and to improve the appearance of fresh
produce.
The CFIA reminds
the industry to be aware of most common priority allergens such as peanuts;
tree nuts; sesame seeds; milk; eggs; soy; fish and shellfish, crustaceans;
wheat; gluten; and sulphite. These priority allergens and any proteins derived
from them should not be used as components of fruit and vegetable coatings
because there are no labelling requirements to declare coating or wax
components on the fresh produce. Therefore there would be no warning for an
allergic consumer about the presence of these priority allergens on the fresh
produce.
The CFIA
recommends that Canadian food importers, distributors, packers, and growers
consult technical specifications and list of ingredients of a coating or wax
product, before purchase and its application to fresh produce. This step may
prevent introduction of priority allergens into fresh fruits and
vegetables.
Some wax and coating products may be generally recognised as safe for food
contact application in the U.S.
however, the product must also comply with the Canadian Regulatory requirements
and be acceptable for use in Canada.
In Canada, components of fruit and vegetable coatings are not regulated as
food additives (with the exceptions of mineral oil, paraffin wax and
petrolatum) and, as such, there is no provision under the Food and Drugs
Act and Regulations that would require a coating manufacturer to submit
its coating formulation to Health Canada for review. Coating manufacturers and
importers, however, have a obligation under Section 4(a) of the Food and
Drugs Act and Regulations to ensure that all coating formulations marketed
for use on produce will not pose a health hazard to consumers.
Wax and coating manufacturers, and importers may voluntarily submit
information on the composition and the use of its coatings to Health Canada for
review. Health Canada will offer advisory opinions on the acceptability and
safety of individual coating preparations. For more information on applying for
an advisory opinion, please contact:
Chief
Chemical Health Hazard Assessment Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
A.L. 2201B1
Health Canada
K1A 0L2
Telephone 613-957-1700
Facsimile 613-990-1543
For more information concerning Canada’s priority allergens, please
refer to the CFIA’s Bureau of Food
Safety and Consumer Protection Fair Labeling Practices Program website.
For more information on Health Canada’s proposed enhanced allergen
labelling regulations please visit Health Canada’s website at:
Health Canada Website.
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