On September 12, 2024, Health Canada issued a document approving Sourvisiae®, a genetically modified preparation of saccharomyces cerevisiae, for use in food.

In 2023, Health Canada received an application to allow the sale of Sourvisiae®, a genetically modified preparation of saccharomyces cerevisiae, for use in food. Sourvisiae® is designed to replace yeast from other commercial sources in beer fermentation to produce alcohol and give it a sour taste through lactic acid production.

To determine if this yeast preparation could be sold as a food product in Canada, Health Canada scientists conducted a scientific assessment to ensure it was safe to eat.

After an evaluation, it was determined that the changes made to this yeast strain would not pose a greater risk to human health than other yeast strains currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada has concluded that this yeast strain has no impact on allergies and that there are no nutritional concerns with its food use.