Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises on the publication of a notice of modification that prohibits the use of Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs) in foods. The ban is effective as of September 17, 2018. Manufacturers are required to remove partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) to folds sold in Canada. This includes imports of foods into Canada and food prepared in all food service establishments.
The List of Contaminants and other Adulterating Substances sets the conditions and maximum levels permitted in foods. Part 1 of the list provides the prohibitions for certain substances and part 2 list the maximum levels for various substances in food.
Due to the highly-processed nature and long shelf-life of products containing PHOs, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is allowing foods containing PHOs manufactured prior to September 17, 2018 to continue to be sold for a period of two years to allow for existing stock. However, foods manufactured on or after September 17, 2018 does not permit partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) to be added.
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) are found in foods such as some margarine, shortening, snack foods, baked goods, and fried foods. Eliminating PHOs from our food supply is an important part of Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, which aims to make the healthier choice the easier choice for all Canadians.
The CFIA has been encouraging industry to adjust their recipes, formulation and method of production to eliminate PHOs as added ingredients in the food they manufacture as soon as possible. The CFIA will verify that the food manufacturing industry has implemented appropriate measures to meet regulatory requirements through oversight activities such as inspections, audits, and/or sampling.
For more background information on the ban, consult the Notice of Modification.
Consult Health Canada for information about trans-fat.