Safety evaluation of the food enzyme 3-phytase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PHY93-08.

The food enzyme 3-phytase (myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate 3-phosphohydrolase EC 3.1.3.8) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PHY93-08 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in nine food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed in two of the food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining seven processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.763 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise safety concerns. 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 2560 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 3355. 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 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 ß-glucosidase from the non-genetically modified Penicillium guanacastense strain AE-GLY.

The food enzyme ß-glucosidase (ß-D-glucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.21) is produced with the non-genetically modified Penicillium guanacastense strain AE-GLY by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 4.054 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 943 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 233. 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 triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Penicillium caseifulvum strain AE-LRF.

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Penicillium caseifulvum strain AE-LRF by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.013 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 69 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 5308. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. However, the Panel noted that traces of ■■■■■, used in the manufacture of the triacylglycerol lipase, may be found in the food enzyme. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure could not be excluded, particularly in individuals sensitised to fish. 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 of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei CBS 143953), subtilisin (produced with Bacillus subtilis CBS 143946) and α-amylase (produced with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CBS 143954) (Avizyme® 1505) for all poultry species (Danisco (UK) Ltd.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei CBS 143953), subtilisin (produced with Bacillus subtilis CBS 143946) and α-amylase (produced with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CBS 143954) (Avizyme® 1505) as a zootechnical feed additive for all poultry species. The additive is authorised in feed for chickens and turkeys for fattening, ducks and laying hens. In 2020, the FEEDAP Panel issued an opinion for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for the species/categories for which there is an authorisation, a reduction of the minimum recommended level in turkeys for fattening and the extension of use to all poultry species. In that assessment, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive due to uncertainties on the characterisation of the production strains and the possible presence of their viable cells and DNA in the final product. Moreover, limitations were identified in the xylanase specifications and xylanase method of analysis. The applicant submitted information to address the limitations previously identified. The Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the target species under the proposed conditions of use. The use of Avizyme® 1505 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive is a mild irritant to skin and eyes; it is not a dermal sensitiser but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive is efficacious in ducks at 75 U endo-1,4-ß-xylanase, 1000 U subtilisin and 100 U α-amylase/kg of complete feed. In other poultry species for fattening (including turkeys), reared for breeding and reared for laying, the additive is efficacious at 187.5 U endo-1,4-ß-xylanase, 2500 U subtilisin and 250 U α-amylase per kg of complete feed and at 300 U endo-1,4-ß-xylanase, 4000 U subtilisin and 400 U α-amylase per kg of complete feed for all poultry species for laying (except for ducks).

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme carboxypeptidase D from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-MK.

The food enzyme carboxypeptidase D (EC 3.4.16.6) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-MK by Novozymes A/S. It is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is intended to be used in five food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.908 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 2220 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 2445. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and two matches were found, one with a food allergen (wheat). The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme, particularly in individuals sensitised to wheat, cannot be excluded, but will not exceed that of wheat 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 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 and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l-threonine (produced with Escherichia coliCGMCC 7.455) for all animal species (Kempex Holland B.V.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of l-threonine produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.455 when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The production strain is genetically modified. None of the introduced genetic modifications raised a safety concern. Viable cells of the production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final additive. Therefore, the final product does not give raise to any safety concern regarding the genetic modification of the production strain. The use of l-threonine (≥ 98.5%) produced with E. coli CGMCC 7.455 to supplement feed is safe for the target species. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) has concerns on the safety of the simultaneous oral administration of l-threonine via water for drinking and feed due to possible amino acid imbalances and hygienic reasons. The use of l-threonine produced with E. coli CGMCC 7.455 in animal nutrition raises no safety concerns to consumers of animal products and to the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin or eyes, or on its potential to be a dermal sensitiser. The endotoxin activity in the additive does not pose a risk for the user via inhalation. The additive l-threonine is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l-threonine for all non-ruminant species. In order to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminants, it should be protected from ruminal degradation.

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

The food enzyme leucyl aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.1) is produced with the non-genetically modified microorganism Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-EX by Novozymes A/S. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes: processing of dairy products for the production of (1) flavouring preparations, (2) modified milk proteins; processing of plant- and fungal-derived products for the production of (3) protein hydrolysates, (4) soy sauce; processing of meat and fish products for the production of (5) protein hydrolysates; processing of cereals and other grains for the production of (6) baked products, (7) brewed products; (8) processing of yeast and yeast products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.577 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 440 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 763. A search for 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 triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-TL(B).

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-TL(B) by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the modification of fats and oils by interesterification and in the manufacture of enzyme-modified dairy ingredients. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.057 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 1,960 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 34,386. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match 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 pectinesterase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6201.

The food enzyme pectinesterase (pectin pectylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.11) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6201 by AB Enzymes GmbH. 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 five food manufacturing processes: fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, fruit and vegetable processing for products other than juices, production of wine and wine vinegar, coffee demucilation and production of plant extracts as flavouring preparations. Since residual amounts of the total organic solids (TOS) are removed during the coffee demucilation and the production of flavouring extracts, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining three food processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.532 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 1,000 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 1,880. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and two matches were found with pollen allergens. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure, particularly in individuals sensitised to pollen allergens, cannot be excluded. 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 endo-polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6197.

The food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1-4)-α-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.15) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6197 by AB Enzymes GmbH. 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 five food manufacturing processes: fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, fruit and vegetable processing for products other than juices, production of wine and wine vinegar, coffee demucilation and production of plant extracts as flavouring preparations. Since residual amounts of the total organic solids (TOS) are removed during the coffee demucilation and the production of flavouring extracts, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining three food processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.156 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 1,000 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 6,410. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and matches were found with a number of pollen allergens. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure, particularly in individuals sensitised to pollen cannot be excluded. 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 and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of monensin sodium (Elancoban® G200) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and turkeys (Elanco GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a new scientific opinion on the coccidiostat monensin sodium (Elancoban® G200) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and turkeys. Based on the new data provided, the Panel updates its previous conclusions as follows: monensin sodium is produced by fermentation by a non-genetically modified strain of Streptomyces sp. NRRL B-67924. Genome analysis suggests the production strain may belong to a new species within the genus Streptomyces. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final additive. The product is free of antimicrobial activity other than monensin. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of monensin sodium from Elancoban® G200 in feed for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying at the proposed maximum use level due to a dose-related reduction of the final body weight. The toxicological profile of monensin sodium was evaluated in studies made with the product obtained from the parental strain ATCC 15413. Based on a comparison of the genomes of the two strains, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that toxicological equivalence has been established, thus the conclusions already drawn on Elancoban® G200 are valid for the product obtained with the new production strain concluding that the additive is safe for the consumer and the environment; the production strain does not represent an additional risk when safety for the user is considered. Monensin sodium from Elancoban® G200 is safe for turkeys up to 16 weeks of age at the concentration of 100 mg monensin sodium/kg feed and has the potential to control coccidiosis at the minimum concentration of 60 mg/kg complete feed.

Scientific opinion on the presence of DNA in the feed additives consisting of concentrated liquid l-lysine, l-lysine monohydrochloride and concentrated liquid l-lysine monohydrochloride produced by Escherichia coliNITE BP-02917 for all animal species (METEX NOOVISTAGO).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on concentrated liquid l-lysine, l-lysine monohydrochloride and concentrated liquid l-lysine monohydrochloride produced by a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli (NITE BP-02917) as nutritional and as sensory (flavouring compound) feed additives for all animal species. In 2022, the FEEDAP Panel issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of these products. In that assessment, the FEEDAP Panel could not exclude the potential presence of recombinant DNA derived from the genetically modified production organism in the products. The applicant provided supplementary data to exclude the presence of recombinant DNA derived from the production organism in the final products. Based on the new data provided, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that no DNA of the production strain E. coli NITE BP-02917 was detected in concentrated liquid l-lysine, l-lysine monohydrochloride and concentrated liquid l-lysine monohydrochloride.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain EPG.

The food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1-4)-α-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.15) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain EPG 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 fruit and vegetable processing for juice production. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.122 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 1,014 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure at least 8,311. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and 38 matches were found, two of which are food allergens. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, in particular for individuals sensitised to papaya or maize, but that the risk will not exceed that of consumption of papaya or maize. In addition, oral allergy reactions cannot be excluded in pollen-sensitised individuals. 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 phospholipase A1 from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-PP.

The food enzyme phospholipase A1 (phosphatidylcholine 1-acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.32) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-PP by Novozymes A/S. 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 milk processing for cheese production. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.012 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 575.1 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 47,925. 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, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is low. 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 pectinesterase from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain AR-962.

The food enzyme pectinesterase (pectin pectylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.11) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain AR-962 by AB Enzymes GmbH. The genetic modifications did not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in five food manufacturing processes: fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, fruit and vegetable processing for products other than juice, production of wine and wine vinegar, production of plant extracts as flavouring preparations and coffee demucilation. Since residual amounts of total organic solids are removed by repeated washing or distillation, dietary exposure to the food enzyme total organic solids (TOS) from the production of flavouring extracts and coffee demucilation was considered not necessary. For the remaining three food processes, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 0.647 mg TOS/kg 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 1,000 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 1,546. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was made and two matches with pollen allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure, particularly in individuals sensitised to pollen allergens, cannot be excluded. 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 1,4-α-glucan branching enzyme from the non-genetically modified Geobacillus thermodenitrificans strain TRBE14.

The food enzyme 1,4-α-glucan branching enzyme ((1-4)-α-d-glucan:(1-4)-α-d-glucan 6-α-d-[(1-4)-α-d-glucano]-transferase; EC 2.4.1.18) is produced with the non-genetically modified Geobacillus thermodenitrificans strain TRBE14 by Nagase (Europa) GmbH. The production strain has been shown to qualify for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. The food enzyme is intended to be used in cereal-based processes, baking processes as well as meat and fish processing. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.29 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Toxicological studies were not considered necessary given the QPS status of the production strain and the nature of the manufacturing process. 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 noted that the food enzyme contains lysozyme, a known allergen. Therefore, allergenicity cannot be excluded. 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-glucosidase from the non-genetically modified Rhizopus delemar strain CU634-1775.

The food enzyme glucan-1,4-α-glucosidase (4-α-d-glucan glucohydrolase; EC 3.1.2.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizopus delemar strain CU634-1775 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production strain. It is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes: baking processes, starch processing for production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, fruit and vegetable processing for products other than juices, brewing processes and distilled alcohol production. As residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by distillation and by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, dietary exposure was not calculated for these two food processes. For the remaining four food processes, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids was estimated to be up to 1.238 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. 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 1,735 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 1,401. In a search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens, a single match with a respiratory allergen was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, 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 containing endo-polygalacturonase and cellulase from the non-genetically modified Talaromyces cellulolyticus strain NITE BP-03478.

The food enzyme containing endo-polygalacturonase ((1-4)-α-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.15) and cellulase (4-(1,3;1,4)-ß-d-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.4) activities is produced with the non-genetically modified Talaromyces cellulolyticus strain NITE BP-03478 by Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. It is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes: baking processes, brewing processes, fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, wine and wine vinegar production, fruit and vegetable processing for products other than juices, fruit and vegetable processing for refined olive oil production, coffee bean demucilation and grain treatment for starch production. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed during three food processes (refined olive oil production, coffee bean demucilation and grain treatment for starch production), dietary exposure was not calculated for these food processes. For the remaining five food processes, dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 3.193 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 806 mg TOS/kg bw per day, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 252. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequences of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and six matches with pollen allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, especially in individuals sensitised to pollen. 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 d-tagatose 3-epimerase from the genetically modified Escherichia coli strain PS-Sav-001.

The food enzyme d-tagatose 3-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.31) is produced with the genetically modified Escherichia coli strain PS-Sav-001 by SAVANNA Ingredients GmbH. 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. The food enzyme is used while retained inside a membrane reactor to convert d-fructose into the speciality carbohydrate d-allulose (syn. d-psicose). Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of d-allulose, dietary exposure was not calculated and toxicological studies were not considered 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 under the intended conditions of use, 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.