Health Canada Proposes Removing Two PFAS From Its Permitted Food Additives

Health Canada has proposed striking two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, from its list of permitted food additives. Neither is in current use as a food additive, according to industry. The notice treats the move as part of Canada’s proposed risk management approach for the class.

TLDR

• The Oct. 29 notice would remove chloropentafluoroethane and octafluorocyclobutane from the list.
• Both are permitted as aerating and pressure dispensing agents in unstandardized foods.
• Industry has reported no current use of either as a food additive.
• Comments are due Jan. 27, 2027.

The Proposal

Once removed, neither substance would be authorized as a food additive in Canada, Health Canada says in Notice of Proposal PFAA-2619. Today both are allowed at a level of good manufacturing practice.

Health Canada says these food uses are not needed for the protection of health, safety or the environment. Industry raised no specific concerns about removal, the notice says.

The notice does not state a safety concern about either substance. It says the government’s assessment of PFAS did not specifically assess their use in unstandardized foods.

The Larger Approach

The proposal sits within Phase 2 of Canada’s proposed risk management approach for PFAS, which excludes fluoropolymers. The law firm Torys reported in March 2025 that Phase 2 targets PFAS not needed for health, safety or the environment. That includes food packaging and additives.

Why It Matters

The notice would have little practical effect, since industry reports no food additive use of either substance. It applies Canada’s proposed approach to the food additive list. Torys reported in March 2025 that consultation on Phase 2 was proposed for 2027.

Sources: Health Canada, Torys, Flavorist.