Consumption incident reporting for supplemented foods
Last updated: 2023-07-05
To market supplemented foods in Canada, including caffeinated energy drinks, manufacturers or distributors were required to obtain a Temporary Marketing Authorization Letter (TMAL) from Health Canada, as provided by Sections B.01.054 and B.01.055 of the Food and Drug Regulations. The purpose of a Temporary Marketing Authorization (TMA) is to allow the sale of certain foods not compliant with the Regulations, and generate in-market information to support an amendment to the Regulations, to permit their legal sale.
The in-market information collected from TMAL holders included sales data, research data on Canadians' consumption patterns of these foods, and consumers' understanding and use of label information on the product.
There was an additional requirement to provide consumption incident reports for supplemented foods that carried one or more cautionary statements on the label.
All consumption incident reports received by TMAL holders were required to be reported to Health Canada on an annual basis for the duration of the TMA. If a manufacturer or distributor failed to provide this information, Health Canada revoked the TMA for the product(s) in question.
The information collected during the TMA period, along with TMAL holder research, sales data, scientific literature, and other information available to Health Canada, helped inform the Supplemented foods regulations, which were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on July 20, 2022. Under the Supplemented foods regulations, there is no regulatory requirement for manufacturers or distributors of supplemented foods, including caffeinated energy drinks, to collect and provide research and in-market data related to their product. This means there is no longer a requirement to report consumption incidents to Health Canada. Consumption incidents related to supplemented foods are to be managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in the same as manner as other foods.
A consumption incident is a harmful and unintended response to the food. Consumption incidents can be of a serious or non-serious nature.
A serious consumption incident is something that:
- requires you to stay in the hospital, or to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time
- results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity
- is life threatening
- results in death
Consumers should report food consumption incidents to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency using their Find out where to report a food complaint or concern webpage.
A summary of consumption incident reports received for supplemented foods as part of the TMA requirements is being made available. However, as the Supplemented foods regulations have now been published, the summary of consumption incidents will only be published up to the 2021 calendar year.
Tables below summarize consumption incident reports received by Health Canada's Food Directorate for supplemented foods, reported by TMAL holders. The quality and completeness of the information contained in the reports submitted by TMAL holders reflects information received by them and does not permit establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship between the food and the reported consumption incident.
Summary of consumption incidents
Tables with summaries of consumption incidents reported on a yearly basis for supplemented foods are shown below. Multiple consumption incident reports can be associated with the same product. In addition, multiple symptoms can be reported for the same consumption incident.
Beverages, beverage mixes and concentrates (excluding caffeinated energy drinks)
The number of active TMAs in the summary tables below do not represent the total number of products that were active in this category. The summary tables below are only applicable to products that are required to carry cautionary labelling statements and require consumption incident reporting. A complete list of products in this category that had valid TMALs at the coming into force of the Supplemented foods regulations, is available on Health Canada's website.
2021
During the 2021 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 211 products with active TMAs from 37 companies. In total, 36 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMA for a product from 1 company was revoked due to a failure to provide the required report. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 3 – Reported symptoms included diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and nausea | Not applicable | 30-39 years: 1 Unknown: 2 |
Male: 1 Unknown: 2 |
2020
During the 2020 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 172 products with active TMAs from 31 companies. In total, 29 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 2 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 – Reported symptoms included burning sensation in throat and stomach | Not applicable | Unknown | Unknown |
2019
During the 2019 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 135 products with active TMAs from 28 companies. All 28 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 – Anaphylactic reaction and feeling ill | 3 – Symptoms reported included feeling ill, vomiting, and stomach discomfort | Unknown | Unknown: 4 | Female: 1 Male: 1 Unknown: 2 |
2018
During the 2018 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 104 products with active TMAs from 25 companies. In total, 22 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 3 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 4 - Symptoms reported included vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, and allergic reaction | Use of medication reported for one consumption incident. | Unknown: 4 | Female: 3 Unknown: 1 |
2017
During the 2017 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 97 products with active TMAs from 26 companies. In total, 24 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 2 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 - Blood in stool (subsequently diagnosed with bladder infection) | 7 - Symptoms reported include feeling ill, headache, allergic reaction, and stomach discomfort | Use of medication reported for one consumption incident. | 0 - 9 years: 4 20 - 29 years: 1 30 - 39 years: 1 80 - 90 years: 1 Unknown: 1 |
Female: 5 Male: 3 |
2016
During the 2016 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 88 products with active TMAs from 24 companies. All 24 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 3 - Symptoms included vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, fever, and hyperactivity | Unknown | 0 - 9 years: 3 | Female: 1 Male: 2 |
2015
During the 2015 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 30 products with active TMAs from 15 companies. In total, 12 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 3 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. As per the reports, all companies reported zero consumption incidents for their products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
2014
During the 2014 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 47 products with active TMAs from 18 companies. In total, 16 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 2 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 - Headache | Unknown | Unknown: 1 | Male: 1 |
2012 and 2013
During the 2012 and 2013 calendar years, consumption incident reporting was required for 38 products with active TMAs from 15 companies. All 15 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. As per the reports, all companies reported zero consumption incidents for their products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
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Caffeinated Energy Drinks
All caffeinated energy drinks are required to carry cautionary labelling statements and therefore all products in this category required consumption incident reporting. Summary tables below represent the total number of caffeinated energy drinks active in each year. A complete list of products in this category that had valid TMALs at the coming into force of the Supplemented foods regulations, is available on Health Canada's website.
2021
During the 2021 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 420 products with active TMAs from 57 companies. In total, 52 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 5 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 1 – Transported to the hospital due to high blood pressure and heart rate, and had tremors | 41 – Commonly reported symptoms included vomiting, feeling ill, headache and stomach discomfort | Use of over-the-counter medication reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 5 20 - 29 years: 9 30 - 39 years: 2 40 - 49 years: 1 Unknown: 25 |
Female: 9 Male: 28 Unknown: 5 |
2020
During the 2020 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 349 products with active TMAs from 49 companies. All 49 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 2 – Stomach cramps (subsequently had appendix removed) (1), rushed to Emergency Room (exact symptoms not specified) (1) | 63 – Commonly reported symptoms included headache, stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting | Use of prescription or over-the- counter medication reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 7 20 - 29 years: 7 30 - 39 years: 3 40 - 49 years: 1 Unknown: 47 |
Female: 10 Male: 49 Unknown: 6 |
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2019
During the 2019 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 304 products with active TMAs from 43 companies. In total, 36 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 7 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 5 – Coughed up blood (1), headache, required to have stomach pumped (1), increased heart rate and numbness in the arm (1), treatment at Emergency Room to dislodge a piece of debris (1), increased heart rate and became unconscious (1) | 64 – Commonly reported symptoms included headache, feeling ill, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting | Use of products such as antidepressants, medication, alcohol, vitamin supplement and natural health products reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 6 20 - 29 years: 6 30 - 39 years: 5 40 - 49 years: 1 50 - 59 years: 1 Unknown: 50 |
Female: 14 Male: 43 Unknown: 12 |
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2018
During the 2018 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 259 products with active TMAs from 37 companies. All 37 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 1 - Seizure | 23 - Commonly reported symptoms included chest pain, headache, stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. | Use of alcohol reported for one consumption incident. | 10 - 19 years: 1 20 - 29 years: 2 40 - 49 years: 2 50 - 59 years: 1 Unknown: 18 |
Female: 3 Male: 13 Unknown: 8 |
2017
During the 2017 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 287 products with active TMAs from 37 companies. In total, 32 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 5 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 3 - Death, anaphylaxis reaction, chest pain (subsequently diagnosed with pericarditis after numerous ER visits) | 17 - Commonly reported symptoms included vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, headache, and, increased heart rate | Use of other products such as medication, benzodiazepines and possible use of narcotics reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 3 20 - 29 years: 6 30 - 39 years: 1 40 - 49 years: 2 50 - 59 years: 3 Unknown: 5 |
Female: 3 Male: 16 Unknown: 1 |
2016
During the 2016 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 319 products with active TMAs from 43 companies. In total, 34 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 4 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The TMAs for products from 3 companies were revoked for failing to meet their research requirements. The TMAs for products from 2 companies expired during the year. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 1 - Death | 18 - Commonly reported symptoms included stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea | Use of other products such as alcohol and prescription medication reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 2 20 - 29 years: 3 30 - 39 years: 4 40 - 49 years: 2 50 - 59 years: 1 Unknown: 7 |
Female: 1 Male: 12 Unknown: 6 |
2015
During the 2015 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 335 products with active TMAs from 44 companies. In total, 40 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 4 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 0 | 17 - Commonly reported symptoms included vomiting, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness, heart burn, and nausea | Use of two different caffeinated energy drinks reported for one consumption incident. | 10 - 19 years: 1 20 - 29 years: 9 Unknown: 7 |
Female: 3 Male: 14 |
2014
During the 2014 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 303 products with active TMAs from 48 companies. In total, 44 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 4 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 0 | 18 - Commonly reported symptoms included stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and allergic reaction | Use of sleeping pills, vitamin and mineral supplement, and birth control pills reported for some consumption incidents. | 10 - 19 years: 1 20 - 29 years: 6 30 - 39 years: 2 40 - 49 years: 1 Unknown: 8 |
Female: 10 Male: 8 |
2012 and 2013
During the 2012 and 2013 calendar years, consumption incident reporting was required for 273 products with active TMAs from 46 companies. In total, 40 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The TMAs for products from 6 companies were revoked due to a failure to provide the required reports. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 4 - Death (2), seizure, skin discoloration | 18 - Commonly reported symptoms included vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, diarrhea and tremors | Use of other products such as alcohol, natural health products and recreational drugs reported for some consumption incidents. | 20 - 29 years: 6 30 - 39 years: 3 Unknown: 13 |
Female: 1 Male: 16 Unknown: 5 |
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Conventional Foods
The number of active TMAs in the summary tables below do not represent the total number of products that were active in this category. The summary tables below are only applicable to products that carry cautionary labelling statements and required consumption incident reporting. A complete list of products in this category that had valid TMALs at the coming into force of the Supplemented foods regulations, is available on Health Canada's website.
2021
During the 2021 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 11 products with active TMAs from 3 companies. All 3 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0 | 6 – Commonly reported symptoms included headache, stomach discomfort, nausea, and acid reflux | Unknown | Unknown: 6 | Female: 6 |
2020
During the 2020 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 11 products with active TMAs from 3 companies. All 3 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 0 | 9 – Commonly reported symptoms included headache, stomach discomfort and diarrhea | Unknown | Unknown: 9 | Female: 9 |
2019
During the 2019 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 8 products with active TMAs from 3 companies. All 3 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 5 – Commonly reported symptoms included headache, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, fever, and spike in blood sugar | Use of meal replacements reported for some consumption incidents. | Unknown: 5 | Female: 5 |
2018
During the 2018 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 10 products with active TMAs from 3 companies. All 3 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 - Reported symptom included bloating | Unknown | Unknown: 1 | Female: 1 |
2017
During the 2017 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 9 products with active TMAs from 2 companies. Both companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. As per the reports, both companies reported zero consumption incidents for their products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
2016
During the 2016 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 9 products with active TMAs from 2 companies. Both companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. The reports with consumption incidents are summarized below.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 4 - Reported symptoms included allergic reaction, increased heart rate, and vision problem | Use of meal replacements reported for one consumption incident. | Unknown: 4 | Female: 4 |
2015
During the 2015 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 4 products with active TMAs from 1 company. The company provided consumption incident reports for their products. As per the reports, the company reported zero consumption incidents for its products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
2014
During the 2014 calendar year, consumption incident reporting was required for 7 products with active TMAs from 3 companies. All 3 companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. As per the reports, all companies reported zero consumption incidents for their products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
2012 and 2013
During the 2012 and 2013 calendar years, consumption incident reporting was required for 3 products with active TMAs from 2 companies. Both companies provided consumption incident reports for their products. As per the reports, both companies reported zero consumption incidents for their products.
| Number of consumption incidents | Serious reports | Non-serious reports | Co-consumption | Ages reported | Gender reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None reported | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
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