Canada is set to implement enhanced labelling regulations for food allergens beginning 4 August 2012,as a part of its plan to lower food allergies.
According to Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA),products that contain undeclared allergens will be subject to CFIA compliance and enforcement activities which may include product recalls where there is a risk to consumers.
Under the new regulations,prepackaged products must include food allergens,gluten sources,and sulphites in the list of ingredients;food allergen must be written in commonly used words;mustard seed will be considered to be a food allergen;and products that include spelt and kamut must declare wheat as an allergen on their labels.
Sulphites in products above 10ppm will need to be in the list of ingredients;products must list any components of an ingredient that are food allergens,gluten sources,or sulphites;and the common names for the plant sources of starches,modified starches,hydrolyzed plant protein and lecithin must be modified to provide source information.
In addition,prepackaged fruits and vegetables that have a protective edible coating or wax must include the source of any allergen or gluten on their labels.
