GEMs: genetically engineered microorganisms and the regulatory oversight of their uses in modern food production.

Over the past several decades, the use of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs, often referred to as Genetically Modified Microorganisms or GMMs) has become widespread in the production of food processing aids and other food ingredients. GEMs are advancing food production by increasing efficiency, reducing waste and resource requirements, and ultimately enabling beneficial innovations such as the cost-effective fortification of food with essential nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids, and delivery of tailored enzymes to achieve unique food processing capabilities. Regulatory agencies, including those in the European Union, United States, and Canada review the safety of GEMs when evaluating food substances produced using GEMs to ensure that both the microorganism and the resulting food substance are safe. This paper provides a summary of historical and current use of GEMs in food manufacture, an overview of frameworks that regulate their use, and a description of the safety assessment of both GEMs and food substances produced with GEMs. The paper encourages regulatory agencies around the globe to take a more aligned approach to the safety evaluation and regulatory oversight of GEM-produced food ingredients and enzymes, a category of food substances that enables more sustainable consumer food choices.

Subacute safety assessment of recombinant Lactococcus lactis on the gut microbiota of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Lactococcus lactis strain pGSMT/MG1363 is a genetically modified microorganism (GMM) that constitutively expresses human metallothionein-I fusion protein to combine with intracellular lead. Unlike traditional probiotics, pGSMT/MG1363 lacks a history of safe use in food. Administration of microorganism could influence the gut microbial community and consequently confer health benefits or cause disadvantages to the host. To date, little has been done to assess the influence of recombinant strain pGSMT/MG1363 on the stability of gut microbiota. RESULTS: Liver, testis and kidney sections of male Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered pGSMT/MG1363 for 6 weeks showed normal structure and no pathological damage. There were no adverse effects on the analyzed serum biochemical parameters between the pGSMT/MG1363 group and the MG1363 group. Principal coordinate analysis showed that, compared with the MG1363 group, the 6-week-old fecal gut microbiota of rats fed with pGSMT/MG1363 was not significantly different (Adonis, P = 0.802). pGSMT/MG1363 treatment for 6 weeks did not significantly change the relative abundance of gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels in comparison with MG1363 treatment. CONCLUSION: Compared to the non-GM strain MG1363 group, administration of the recombinant strain pGSMT/MG1363 for 6 weeks showed no adverse effects on the analyzed physiological parameters and gut microbial compositions of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The results suggested that, in terms of gut microbiota stability, pGSMT/MG1363 could be considered as safe as MG1363, at least for short-term intake. Further toxicological evaluations still need to be considered before drawing a definite conclusion concerning the safe use of pGSMT/MG1363. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Risk assessment of glucoamylase and xylanase complex from Aspergillus awamori Xyl T-15].

The introduction of methods for food production using microbial synthesis, including those obtained with the help of genetically modified (GM) microorganisms, at the present stage, allows to increase production volumes and reduce the cost of food. At the same time, such products in accordance with TR CU 021/2011 "On food safety" are classified as a "novel food"¼ and can be placed on the market only after its risk estimation for health. The emergence of new data and research methods in the last years has made it necessary to improve the risk assessment system for this category of food. The aim of the research is to develope risk assessment approaches of food obtained by microbial synthesis on the example of the GM strain Aspergillus awamori Xyl T-15 and the enzyme preparation (EP) (a complex of glucoamylase and xylanase) produced by it. Material and methods. Outbred ICR mice (CD-1) and Wistar rats (males and females) were used in the experimental studies. Investigations of GM strain A. awamori Xyl T-15 virulence and its ability to disseminate internal organs have been carried out. Acute and subacute (during 80 days) toxicity of EP (a complex of glucoamylase and xylanase) have been studied. Results. The presented experimental data allow us to make a conclusion about the avirulence of the A. awamori Xyl T-15 strain, the lack of ability to disseminate internal organs (invasiveness). At the same time, the strain is characterized by the ability to produce mycotoxins (ochratoxin, fumonisin B2, T-2 and HT-2 toxins). The EP, a complex of glucoamylase and xylanase from A. awamori Xyl T-15, has a low oral acute toxicity for rats (LD50>5000 mg/kg). I ntragastric EP administration at doses of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight during 80 days had not revealed adversely affect on the rate of weight gain in animals, indicators of anxiety and cognitive function, and some studied biochemical indicators. At a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. or more, there were changes in the relative mass of organs (lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands), small shifts in the parameters of erythropoiesis and leukocyte formula, at a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. - an increase in oxidative DNA destruction. T he most pronounced and dose-dependent was the effect of the EP on hepatocyte apoptosis. According to this indicator, the not observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for EP is not more than 100 mg/kg b.w. in terms of protein. The main target organ for the toxic effect of EP is the liver. Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate the necessity to conduct an additional analysis of the risks of possible negative effects of EP, namely, to study its impact on the gut microbiocenosis and the immune status of experimental animals, to analyze the presence of determinants of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance, DNA of selective marker genes of A. awamori Xyl T-15 strain by PCR analysis and DNA sequencing methods.

New developments in biotechnology applied to microorganisms.

EFSA was requested by the European Commission (in accordance with Article 29 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) to provide a scientific opinion on the application of new developments in biotechnology (new genomic techniques, NGTs) to viable microorganisms and products of category 4 to be released into the environment or placed on the market as or in food and feed, and to non-viable products of category 3 to be placed on the market as or in food and feed. A horizon scanning exercise identified a variety of products containing microorganisms obtained with NGTs (NGT-Ms), falling within the remit of EFSA, that are expected to be placed on the (EU) market in the next 10 years. No novel potential hazards/risks from NGT-Ms were identified as compared to those obtained by established genomic techniques (EGTs), or by conventional mutagenesis. Due to the higher efficiency, specificity and predictability of NGTs, the hazards related to the changes in the genome are likely to be less frequent in NGT-Ms than those modified by EGTs and conventional mutagenesis. It is concluded that EFSA guidances are 'partially applicable', therefore on a case-by-case basis for specific NGT-Ms, fewer requirements may be needed. Some of the EFSA guidances are 'not sufficient' and updates are recommended. Because possible hazards relate to genotypic and phenotypic changes introduced and not to the method used for the modification, it is recommended that any new guidance should take a consistent risk assessment approach for strains/products derived from or produced with microorganisms obtained with conventional mutagenesis, EGTs or NGTs.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme subtilisin from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-CB.

The food enzyme subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-CB by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 0.722 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The production strain of the food enzyme fulfils the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As no other concerns arising from the manufacturing process were identified, the Panel considered that toxicological tests were not required for the assessment of this food enzyme. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and 20 matches were found, including two food allergens (melon and pomegranate). The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, particularly in individuals sensitised to melon and pomegranate, but would not exceed the risk from consumption of melon or pomegranate. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme bacillolysin from the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain DP-Cyb74.

The food enzyme bacillolysin (EC 3.4.24.28) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain DP-Cyb74 by Genencor International B.V. The production strain met all requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The food enzyme is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 1.536 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. As the production strain qualifies for the QPS approach and no issue of concern arose from the production process of the food enzyme, the Panel considered that no toxicological studies other than the assessment of allergenicity were necessary. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme lysophospholipase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nyc81.

The food enzyme lysophospholipase (2-lysophosphatidylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.5) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nyc81 by Genencor International B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in the processing of cereals and other grains for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of food enzyme-total organic solids are removed during these food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was not calculated and toxicological studies were considered unnecessary. A search for the identity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme AMP deaminase from non-genetically modified Aspergillus sp. strain DEA 56-111.

The food enzyme AMP deaminase (AMP aminohydrolase; EC 3.5.4.6) is produced with the non-genetically modified microorganism Aspergillus sp. strain DEA 56-111 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of yeast and yeast products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.005 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1984 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 396,800. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme leucyl aminopeptidase from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-BU.

The food enzyme leucyl aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.1) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-BU by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in five food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme TOS was estimated to be up to 1.508 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 4,928 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 3,268. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that the food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme microbial collagenase from the genetically modified Streptomyces violaceoruber strain pCol.

The food enzyme microbial collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3) is produced with the genetically modified Streptomyces violaceoruber strain pCol by Nagase (Europa) GmbH. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in two food manufacturing processes: the production of modified meat and fish products and the production of protein hydrolysates from meat and fish proteins. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 1.098 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 940 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 856. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Valorization of chicken feather waste using recombinant bacillus subtilis cells by solid-state fermentation for soluble proteins and serine alkaline protease production.

Feather waste, a by-product of the poultry industry, is rich in proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Improper disposal of feathers can cause environmental pollution. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a viable alternative to submerged fermentation due to its simplicity, productivity, and lower cost. The study goal is a biorefinery of chicken feather waste supplemented with wheat bran using a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain to produce soluble proteins and a serine alkaline protease. Plackett-Burman Design and Central Composite Design were utilized in a statistical-mathematical model to optimize the process. Multi-factorial design optimization resulted in 80 % substrate degradation efficiency, an alkaline protease with dual activities (1423 proteolytic units and 190 keratinolytic units), 214 mg soluble proteins/g substrate, and 87 % model validation. Scaling up the SSF process to 50 g of substrate significantly enhanced the end products of feather biodegradation to 1616 proteolytic units, 2844 keratinolytic units, and 127 mg soluble proteins/g substrate. AIM AND SCOPE OF THE MANUSCRIPT: The aim of the present study is to utilize chicken feather waste (alone or supplemented with other materials) through recombinant Bacillus subtilis cells using solid state fermentation (SSF) at a laboratory scale. The plan study provides a promising waste management in the environmental field concerning biodegradation of such recalcitrant keratinous wastes supplemented with agricultural residues via recombinant microorganism. On semi-pilot scale, high production and quality of soluble protein, protease, and keratinase activity were produced according to the statistically optimised first stage fermentation in the laboratory scale. The bioconversion process took place as a major goal to obtain valuable products, with low utilities and energy requirements. Therefore, this will consider as an economically feasible and environmentally friendly alternative. Moreover, this study is considered as first step fermentation for feather waste to pave the road for directing it to a second step fermentation for biogas production and bioenergy generation through bio-electrochemical systems (Manuscript under publication).

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme protein-glutamine γ-glutamyltransferase from the non-genetically modified Streptomyces mobaraensis strain M2020197.

The food enzyme protein-glutamine γ-glutamyltransferase (protein-glutamine: amine γ-glutamyltransferase; EC 2.3.2.13) is produced with the non-genetically modified Streptomyces mobaraensis strain M2020197 by Taixing Dongsheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd. The identity of the production strain and the absence of viable cells could not be established. The food enzyme is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes: processing of cereals and other grains for the production of (1) baked products, (2) cereal-based products other than baked; processing of dairy products for the production of (3) fermented dairy products, (4) cheese, (5) dairy desserts; processing of plant- and fungal-derived products for the production of (6) meat analogues, (7) plant-based analogues of milk and milk products; processing of meat and fish products for the production of (8) modified meat and fish products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 3.498 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 91 mg TOS/kg bw per day. The calculated margin of exposure for each age group was 36 (infants), 26 (toddlers), 50 (children), 99 (adolescents), 115 (adults) and 133 (the elderly). A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. The safety of the food enzyme could not be established given the derived margins of exposure. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the food enzyme could not be considered safe under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-1,4-ß-xylanase from the genetically modified Bacillus velezensis strain AR-112.

The food enzyme endo-1,4-ß-xylanase (4-ß-d-xylan xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.8) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus velezensis strain AR-112 by AB Enzymes GmbH. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in baking processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.024 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. As the production strain B. velezensis strain AR-112 meets the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment and no issue of concern arose from the production process, no toxicological data are required. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme 3-phytase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NPH.

The food enzyme 3-phytase (myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate 3-phosphohydrolase EC 3.1.3.8) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NPH by DSM Food Specialties. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in three food manufacturing processes: processing of cereals and other grains for the production of (1) baked products and (2) distilled alcohol, and the processing of plant- and fungal-derived products for the production of (3) plant-based analogues of milk and milk products. Since no residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are carried over into distilled alcohol, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining two food manufacturing processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.553 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 833 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 1506. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded (except for distilled alcohol production), but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-maltohydrolase from the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain BABSC.

The food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-maltohydrolase (4-α-d-glucan α-maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain BABSC by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. The requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach have not been met. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in baking processes and starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed, dietary exposure was not calculated for starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. For baking processes, the dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.101 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. No toxicological studies were provided by the applicant. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match with a respiratory allergen was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. In the absence of appropriate data to fully characterise the production strain, the Panel was unable to conclude on the safety of the food enzyme under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme phosphoinositide phospholipase C from the genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PIC.

The food enzyme phosphoinositide phospholipase C (1-phosphatidyl-1D-myo-inositol-4,5-bisphosphate inositoltrisphosphohydrolase EC 3.1.4.11.) is produced with the genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PIC by DSM Food specialties B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in the processing of fats and oils for the production of refined edible fats and oils by degumming. Since residual amounts of the total organic solids are removed by the washing and purification steps applied during degumming, dietary exposure estimation and toxicity testing were considered unnecessary. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no matches were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme mucorpepsin from the non-genetically modified Rhizomucor miehei strain FRO.

The food enzyme mucorpepsin (EC 3.4.23.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizomucor miehei strain FRO by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The enzyme can be chemically modified to produce a thermolabile form. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in three food manufacturing processes: processing of dairy products for the production of (1) cheese, (2) edible rennet casein, (3) fermented dairy products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to about 0.072 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 2000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 27,778. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and five matches were found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but is considered low, except for individuals sensitised to mustard proteins, for whom the risk will not exceed that of mustard consumption. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme asparaginase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain AGN.

The food enzyme asparaginase (l-asparagine amidohydrolase; EC 3.5.1.1) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain AGN by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used to prevent acrylamide formation in food processing. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 1.434 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The toxicity studies were carried out with an asparaginase from A. niger (strain ASP). The Panel considered this food enzyme as a suitable substitute for the asparaginase to be used in the toxicological studies, because the genetic differences between the production strains are not expected to result in a different toxigenic potential, and the raw materials and manufacturing processes of both food enzymes are comparable. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1038 mg TOS/kg bw per day, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 724. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-galactosidase from the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CBS 615.94.

The food enzyme α-galactosidase (α-d-galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.22) is produced with the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CBS 615.94 by Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Ltd. The production strain of the food enzyme contains multiple copies of a known antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA from the production organism in the food enzyme, this is not considered to be a risk. As no other concerns arising from the genetically modified microbial source or from the manufacturing process have been identified, the Panel considered that toxicological tests were not needed for the assessment of this food enzyme. The food enzyme is intended to be used in guar gum processing. The dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.828 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain NL151.

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain NL151 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.278 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1669 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 6004. A search for homology of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.