A new study released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found that more than 96% of food colors tested in selected foods were compliant with Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations.
For the study, the agency tested a total of 1,546 samples of both domestic and imported origin. CFIA tested those samples that were more likely to contain non-permitted colors and dyes, including palm oils, red Asian/chili spices, and products that might contain those spices.
The study found that 990 of the 1,546 samples (64%) did not have detectable levels of food colors. About 498 samples contained detectable food colors in compliance with the Food and Drug Regulations, which reflects a compliance rate of over 96%.
Fifty-eight (58) samples were found to be in violation of Canadian food color additive regulations. The CFIA acted on all samples containing non-compliant levels of food colors. The agency issued two Class II recalls in May 2011 - one for palm oil and one for curry powder.
A Class II recall is initiated for a food product when consuming that product will most likely lead to short-term or non-life threatening health problems. The chance of any serious health symptoms is low in healthy populations. No illnesses were reported.
