Canadians to label mustard

Health Canada has released its proposed new allergen labelling regulations, with mustard now included as a priority allergen. The inclusion of mustard to the new regulations is said to result from feedback and discussion with the food industry, health groups and the public. In July 2008, proposed regulatory amendments were published, and more than 140 comments were received in response.

The current allergen labelling requirements in Canada lists peanuts, eggs, milk, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame seeds, seafood, and sulfites.

While mustard must already be labelled if it is a primary ingredient, those who are allergic to it have difficulty if it has been used as a flavouring where all the component ingredients do not necessarily need to be labelled separately. Despite calls for onion and garlic to be included under the allergen labelling requirements for similar reasons, Health Canada has not added these to the list. Mustard is already required to be labelled on foods sold in Europe due to its allergenic potential.

The proposed new regulations also include exemptions for fining agents and wax coatings on the labels of pre-packaged foods.

Health Canada said its goal is to publish the updated regulations in the Canada Gazette in the spring of 2010.