News Release

1996-55
July 19, 1996

Health Canada withdraws raw milk cheese proposal

OTTAWA - Health Canada today announced that, following extensive consultations across Canada, it is withdrawing its proposed amendment on raw milk cheese. The proposed amendment would have required that all cheeses be made from pasteurized milk or the equivalent.

The withdrawal is based on information received from the Scientific Expert Advisory Committee established by Health Canada to review submissions made by industry, consumers and other stakeholders during the consultation period that followed publication of the proposal in the Canada Gazette.

The Committee expressed its full support of Health Canada's objective to promote the safety of cheeses marketed in Canada. It stated, however, that some of the technical requirements proposed could not, in practical terms, be met in the manufacturing process.

The Scientific Expert Advisory Committee, comprising experts in the fields of food and dairy microbiology, food safety and food-borne infectious diseases will continue its review of submissions and will submit its final report to Health Canada in the fall with recommended options to meet health concerns. Health Canada will evaluate those options and conduct further consultations before taking any further actions. This will include a review of practices by other countries.

Media Inquiries:
Michael O'Neill/Monique Renaud-Gagné
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991