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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR THE ACCEPTABILITY OF NOVEL PACKAGING MATERIALSNOTICE TO IMPORTERS/MANUFACTURERSThere is a wide variety of packaging materials on the marketplace intended for food use. These include, cartons, wrapping materials, plastic films, synthetic casings, nettings, trays, pouches, bags and other materials that come into direct contact with the food product (primary packages). As a general requirement, packaging materials shall not impart any undesirable substance to the food product, either chemically or physically. Furthermore, they shall protect the food product from contamination (Food and Drug Regulations B.23.001 - No person shall sell any food in a package that may yield to its contents any substance that may be injurious to the health of a consumer of the Food). Packaging materials with a well established history of safe use or those that are chemically inert, i.e., metal cans, glass containers, etc., are generally exempt from the above-noted submission guidelines (pre-approval process). Conversely, packaging materials that do not have a well established history of safe food use, i.e., novel, the CFIA will provide manufacturers/importers with a complete evaluation of their acceptability. Manufacturers/importers are required to prepare a submission that includes the following information:
All requests pertaining to the acceptability of packaging materials shall be addressed to: Jack J. Donald, Technical Program Officer Note: The average turn around time for processing of applications is about 8 months. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that importers/manufacturers of food products, packaged in novel packaging materials, submit their applications at least 8 months before importing/marketing their product(s). APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Division 23. Food Packaging Materials Division 27. Low-Acid Foods Packaged in Hermetically Sealed Containers Division 28. Novel Foods |
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Important Notices |