health canadas proposal to modify the currently permitted uses of the colouring agent amaranth in various foods - reference number nop avp-0023 health canada has conducted a re-evaluation of the approved food additive uses of the colouring agent amaranth which is currently permitted at a maximum level of use of 300 parts per million p.p.m. singly or in combination with other specified synthetic colours. the re-evaluation was conducted in support of a broader review of fifty-two azo acid dyes carried out as part of the government of canadas chemicals management plan www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca fact-fait glance-bref acidacides-eng.php . the results of health canadas re-evaluation of available data on the concentrations of amaranth actually used in foods sold in canada reveal that exposure to amaranth is within acceptable levels from a food safety perspective. however the existing maximum levels of use for amaranth that appear in the list of permitted colouring agents www.hc-sc.gc.ca fn-an securit addit list 3-colour-color-eng.php are generally higher than actual use levels and would allow for elevated exposures if actual use levels ever increased. in order to ensure that potential exposure to the food colouring agent amaranth remains within acceptable levels it is the intention of health canada to modify the list of permitted colouring agents by creating a unique listing for amaranth it is currently grouped in the list with five other synthetic colours and by identifying maximum levels of use and other conditions that align with actual current uses. as a result of this assessment it is the intention of health canada to modify the list of permitted colouring agents www.hc-sc.gc.ca fn-an securit addit list 3-colour-color-eng.php as described in the information document. the purpose of this communication is to publically announce the departments intention in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive