Stearic Acid Enabled in Pre-Cooked (Instant) Breakfast Cereals
Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submi…Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of stearic acid as an antifoaming agent in pre-cooked （instant） breakfast cereals.
Stearic acid is already permitted for use in Canada as a release agent in unstandardized confectionery, a plasticizing agent in chewing gum, and a release agent and lubricant in foods sold in tablet form.
As no safety concerns were raised through Health Canada's assessment, the Department has enabled the use of the food additive stearic acid described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses, effective June 1, 2018.
The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.