Should a New Antimicrobial Preservative Be Approved for Plastics and Textiles?
Official title: Consultation on benzoic acid and Microban Additive GS, Proposed Registration Decision PRD2025-18
Health Canada wants to approve benzoic acid as a preservative that stops bacteria, mould, and fungus from growing in everyday products. Think plastics, textiles, paints, and industrial coatings. The company Microban wants to sell two products containing this ingredient for household, institutional, and industrial uses.
Why This Matters
This chemical could end up in products you use every day—plastic containers, clothing, paint on your walls. If you care about what goes into household products, this is your chance to weigh in before it's approved.
What Could Change
If approved, manufacturers could add benzoic acid to plastics, textiles, and paints to prevent mould and bacteria growth. Two new products—Ascera X-TA and Microban Additive GS—would be available for sale in Canada.
Key Issues
- Should benzoic acid be registered as a material preservative in Canada?
- Is the science evaluation adequate to support this registration?
How to Participate
- Read the Consultation Summary to understand the proposed registration and the science behind it.
- Send your written comments to pmra.publications-arla@hc-sc.gc.ca by January 15, 2026. Include the title "PRD2025-18" in your message.