CFIA drops 'May contain soy' precautionary labelling on some cereal products

Monday, February 18, 2013

by DIANNE FETTERLY

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s decision to drop the “may contain soy” precautionary labelling on grain-based foods when a very low level of soy is present, may be an indication that Canada’s grain growers, handlers and processors are doing a good job of preventing unwanted soybeans from making their way into other grain products.

Last week, along with Health Canada, the agency posted a news release on its website, advising “manufacturers and importers of grain-based products that the precautionary labelling “may contain soy” is not required on these products when a low level of soy is present due to adventitious presence.”

It stated that, for the past three years, the agency has been studying various foods for specific hazards and documented information on the presence and levels of possible undeclared allergens, including soy, in grain-based products. Based on the levels of soy, “Health Canada has determined that exposure is not likely to represent a health risk for soy allergic individuals.”

According to Rod Lister of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the possible presence of an unwanted grain product mixed in with another, is not unique to soy, and can occur with any other grains.

Lister added that the agency continues to closely monitor allergen levels in food products and follows up with manufacturers and importers on any changes, which could include a request for corrective action, label changes and/or product recall.

Grain grading standards for quality are in place in Canada to prevent the occurrence of an unwanted grain from getting into another crop and on to the food manufacturer. But, from time to time, very small amounts can trickle through.

For example, some soybeans could possibly get mixed into a cereal crop, such as wheat or barley, if there were a few residual soy plants left in the field from a previous crop. It could also occur during harvesting, if a few soys remained in the hopper; or in the truck box during transport. It could even happen while the crop is in storage. The occurrence is not unique to any one crop or from any specific area.

Mackenna Roth of the Grain Farmers of Ontario said if anything, the inspection agency’s decision would be positive for grain producers because it demonstrates that grain growers and handlers are doing a good job of keeping undesired products, like those which may pose an allergy risk, from entering the food chain. She added that Ontario grain growers will continue to maintain those high standards.

Soy is listed by Health Canada as one of the top nine sources of allergens in the country. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency partners with Health Canada to enforce product labelling laws and works with the food industry to ensure appropriate labelling in regards to food allergies. BF