Health Canada Proposal to Modify Caffeine Use as a Supplemental Ingredient in Food Products

Health Canada has published a proposal to modify the use of caffeine as a supplemental ingredient in certain food products.
**Current Regulations:**
- Caffeine is permitted as a supplemental ingredient in specific supplemented food categories, such as chocolate confectioneries, under conditions outlined in the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients.
- For chocolate confectioneries, if caffeine content does not exceed 56 mg per serving, no cautionary statements are required, provided labeling and packaging requirements are met.
- If caffeine content exceeds 56 mg per serving (up to 100 mg), additional labeling requirements apply, including cautionary statements and limits on total caffeine per package.
**Proposed Modification:**
- Health Canada received a pre-market submission requesting the use of synthetic caffeine (caffeine anhydrous) in ""gummies with a texture spanning from hard to soft,"" a category currently not permitted to contain added caffeine.
- The proposal suggests amending the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to allow caffeine in this new product category, under specific conditions to ensure consumer safety.

**Public Consultation:**
- Health Canada is seeking feedback on this proposal to assess potential health risks and benefits.
- Stakeholders and the public are invited to submit comments during the consultation period, details of which are available on Health Canada's website.
This initiative reflects Health Canada's ongoing efforts to evaluate and update food safety regulations in response to industry developments and consumer interests.