Risk assessment of small organoarsenic species in food.

The European Commission asked EFSA for a risk assessment on small organoarsenic species in food. For monomethylarsonic acid MMA(V), decreased body weight resulting from diarrhoea in rats was identified as the critical endpoint and a BMDL10 of 18.2 mg MMA(V)/kg body weight (bw) per day (equivalent to 9.7 mg As/kg bw per day) was calculated as a reference point (RP). For dimethylarsinic acid DMA(V), increased incidence in urinary bladder tumours in rats was identified as the critical endpoint. A BMDL10 of 1.1 mg DMA(V)/kg bw per day (equivalent to 0.6 mg As/kg bw per day) was calculated as an RP. For other small organoarsenic species, the toxicological data are insufficient to identify critical effects and RPs, and they could not be included in the risk assessment. For both MMA(V) and DMA(V), the toxicological database is incomplete and a margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied for risk characterisation. The highest chronic dietary exposure to DMA(V) was estimated in 'Toddlers', with rice and fish meat as the main contributors across population groups. For MMA(V), the highest chronic dietary exposures were estimated for high consumers of fish meat and processed/preserved fish in 'Infants' and 'Elderly' age class, respectively. For MMA(V), an MOE of ≥ 500 was identified not to raise a health concern. For MMA(V), all MOEs were well above 500 for average and high consumers and thus do not raise a health concern. For DMA(V), an MOE of 10,000 was identified as of low health concern as it is genotoxic and carcinogenic, although the mechanisms of genotoxicity and its role in carcinogenicity of DMA(V) are not fully elucidated. For DMA(V), MOEs were below 10,000 in many cases across dietary surveys and age groups, in particular for some 95th percentile exposures. The Panel considers that this would raise a health concern.

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 inulinase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus welwitschiae strain NZYM-KF.

The food enzyme inulinase (1-ß-d-fructan fructanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.7) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus welwitschiae strain NZYM-KF by Novozymes A/S. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of fructo-polysaccharides for the production of fructo-oligosaccharides. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed during the food manufacturing process, toxicological studies other than allergenicity were considered unnecessary and dietary exposure was not calculated. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and two matches with tomato allergens were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme, particularly in individuals sensitised to tomato, cannot be excluded, but is expected not to exceed that of tomato. As the prevalence of allergic reactions to tomato is low, also the likelihood of such reactions to occur to the food enzyme 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 laccase from the non-genetically modified Trametes hirsuta strain AE-OR.

The food enzyme laccase (benzenediol:oxygen oxidoreductase; EC 1.10.3.2) is produced with the non-genetically modified Trametes hirsuta strain AE-OR by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It 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 0.026 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 862 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 33,154. 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 oryzin from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus ochraceus strain AE-P.

The food enzyme oryzin (EC 3.4.21.63) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus ochraceus strain AE-P by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in nine food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.1 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 1862 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 18,620. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and 31 matches were found, including one food allergen (melon). The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme, particularly in individuals sensitised to melon, cannot be excluded, but would not exceed the risk from consumption of this food. 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 phosphodiesterase I from the non-genetically modified Leptographium procerum strain FDA.

The food enzyme phosphodiesterase I (oligonucleotide 5'-nucleotidohydrolase; EC 3.1.4.1) is produced with the non-genetically modified Leptographium procerum strain FDA by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The food enzyme is 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 0.171 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 1000 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 5848. 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.

Risks for animal and human health related to the presence of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in feed and food.

EFSA was asked for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in feed and food. The assessment focused on hexaCNs due to very limited data on other PCN congeners. For hexaCNs in feed, 217 analytical results were used to estimate dietary exposures for food-producing and non-food-producing animals; however, a risk characterisation could not be performed because none of the toxicological studies allowed identification of reference points. The oral repeated dose toxicity studies performed in rats with a hexaCN mixture containing all 10 hexaCNs indicated that the critical target was the haematological system. A BMDL20 of 0.05 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day was identified for a considerable decrease in the platelet count. For hexaCNs in food, 2317 analytical results were used to estimate dietary exposures across dietary surveys and age groups. The highest exposure ranged from 0.91 to 29.8 pg/kg bw per day in general population and from 220 to 559 pg/kg bw per day for breast-fed infants with the highest consumption of breast milk. Applying a margin of exposure (MOE) approach, the estimated MOEs for the high dietary exposures ranged from 1,700,000 to 55,000,000 for the general population and from 90,000 to 230,000 for breast-fed infants with the highest consumption of breast milk. These MOEs are far above the minimum MOE of 2000 that does not raise a health concern. Taking account of the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded with at least 99% certainty that dietary exposure to hexaCNs does not raise a health concern for any of the population groups considered. Due to major limitations in the available data, no assessment was possible for genotoxic effects or for health risks of PCNs other than hexaCNs.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glutaminase from the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AE-GT.

The food enzyme glutaminase (l-glutamine amidohydrolase; EC 3.5.1.2) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AE-GT by Amano Enzyme Inc. The production strain met the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. 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 0.462 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Given the QPS status of the production strain and the absence of concerns resulting from the food enzyme's manufacturing process, toxicity tests were considered unnecessary by the Panel. 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 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 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme thermolysin from the non-genetically modified Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus strain AE-TP.

The food enzyme thermolysin (EC. 3.4.24.27) is produced with the non-genetically modified Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus strain AE-TP by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.973 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 700 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the mid-dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 719. 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 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.

Guidance for the assessment of detoxification processes in feed.

This statement provides scientific guidance on the information needed to support the risk assessment of the detoxification processes applied to products intended for animal feed in line with the acceptability criteria of the Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/786.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme leucyl aminopeptidase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus sp. strain AE-MB.

The food enzyme leucyl aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.1) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus sp. strain AE-MB by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in five food manufacturing processes: processing of dairy products for the production of (1) flavouring preparations; processing of plant- and fungal-derived products for the production of (2) protein hydrolysates; processing of meat and fish products for the production of (3) protein hydrolysates, (4) modified meat and fish products and processing of (5) yeast and yeast products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 2.273 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 183 mg TOS/kg bw per day. The calculated margin of exposure for each age group was 135 (infants), 81 (toddlers), 83 (children), 109 (adolescents), 160 (adults) and 184 (the elderly). 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 is low. The safety of the food enzyme could not be established given the derived margins of exposure. Therefore, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme could not be considered safe under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme ß-galactosidase from the non-genetically modified Papiliotrema terrestris strain AE-BLC.

The food enzyme ß-galactosidase (ß-d-galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified Papiliotrema terrestris strain AE-BLC 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 production of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.441 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 1800 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 4082. 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. 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.

Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food.

The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2009 risk assessment on arsenic in food carrying out a hazard assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and using the revised exposure assessment issued by EFSA in 2021. Epidemiological studies show that the chronic intake of iAs via diet and/or drinking water is associated with increased risk of several adverse outcomes including cancers of the skin, bladder and lung. The CONTAM Panel used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit based on a benchmark response (BMR) of 5% (relative increase of the background incidence after adjustment for confounders, BMDL05) of 0.06 µg iAs/kg bw per day obtained from a study on skin cancer as a Reference Point (RP). Inorganic As is a genotoxic carcinogen with additional epigenetic effects and the CONTAM Panel applied a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation. In adults, the MOEs are low (range between 2 and 0.4 for mean consumers and between 0.9 and 0.2 at the 95th percentile exposure, respectively) and as such raise a health concern despite the uncertainties.

Update of the risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food.

The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food, focusing on 10 congeners: BDE-28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and ­209. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour and reproductive/developmental effects are the critical effects in rodent studies. For four congeners (BDE-47, -99, -153, -209) the Panel derived Reference Points, i.e. benchmark doses and corresponding lower 95% confidence limits (BMDLs), for endpoint-specific benchmark responses. Since repeated exposure to PBDEs results in accumulation of these chemicals in the body, the Panel estimated the body burden at the BMDL in rodents, and the chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans. For the remaining six congeners no studies were available to identify Reference Points. The Panel concluded that there is scientific basis for inclusion of all 10 congeners in a common assessment group and performed a combined risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the combined margin of exposure (MOET) approach was the most appropriate risk metric and applied a tiered approach to the risk characterisation. Over 84,000 analytical results for the 10 congeners in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary Lower Bound exposure to PBDEs were meat and meat products and fish and seafood. Taking into account the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded that it is likely that current dietary exposure to PBDEs in the European population raises a health concern.

Risks for animal health related to the presence of ergot alkaloids in feed.

The European Commission requested EFSA to provide an update of the 2012 Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) on the risks for animal health related to the presence of ergot alkaloids (EAs) in feed. EAs are produced by several fungi of the Claviceps and Epichloë genera. This Opinion focussed on the 14 EAs produced by C. purpurea (ergocristine, ergotamine, ergocornine, α- and ß-ergocryptine, ergometrine, ergosine and their corresponding 'inine' epimers). Effects observed with EAs from C. africana (mainly dihydroergosine) and Epichloë (ergovaline/-inine) were also evaluated. There is limited information on toxicokinetics in food and non-food producing animals. However, transfer from feed to food of animal origin is negligible. The major effects of EAs are related to vasoconstriction and are exaggerated during extreme temperatures. In addition, EAs cause a decrease in prolactin, resulting in a reduced milk production. Based on the sum of the EAs, the Panel considered the following as Reference Points (RPs) in complete feed for adverse animal health effects: for pigs and piglets 0.6 mg/kg, for chickens for fattening and hens 2.1 and 3.7 mg/kg, respectively, for ducks 0.2 mg/kg, bovines 0.1 mg/kg and sheep 0.3 mg/kg. A total of 19,023 analytical results on EAs (only from C. purpurea) in feed materials and compound feeds were available for the exposure assessment (1580 samples). Dietary exposure was assessed using two feeding scenarios (model diets and compound feeds). Risk characterisation was done for the animals for which an RP could be identified. The CONTAM Panel considers that, based on exposure from model diets, the presence of EAs in feed raises a health concern in piglets, pigs for fattening, sows and bovines, while for chickens for fattening, laying hens, ducks, ovines and caprines, the health concern related to EAs in feed is low.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme catalase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain AE-CN.

The food enzyme catalase (hydrogen-peroxide:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase; EC 1.11.1.6) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain AE-CN by Amano Enzyme Inc. The absence of viable cells of the production organism in the food enzyme was not demonstrated. The food enzyme is intended to be used in five food manufacturing processes: production of baked products, processing of egg and egg products, production of fruit and vegetable products other than juices, production of cheese and production of fish roes. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.325 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The results of the in vitro genotoxicity studies indicated the presence of a clastogenic agent in the food enzyme which could not be dismissed due to limitations in the in vivo studies. 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 323 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Because of the results of the genotoxicity studies, and as the absence of viable cells from the production strain was not demonstrated, the Panel was unable to establish the safety of the food enzyme.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain MUCL 55013.

The food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1→4)-α-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase (endo-cleaving); EC 3.2.1.15)) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain MUCL 55013 by Soufflet Biotechnologies. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in 10 food manufacturing processes: processing of fruits and vegetables for the production of juices, other fruit and vegetable products, wine, distilled spirits from wine, alcoholic beverages other than grape wine; processing of plant-derived products for the production of refined and unrefined sugar, edible oils from plants, green coffee beans by demucilation, coffee extracts and tea and other herbal and fruit infusions. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed in three processes, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining seven food manufacturing processes. Exposure was estimated to be up to 7.834 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 2,097 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, resulting in a margin of exposure of at least 268. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens found 14 matches, one of which was to a food allergen. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, in particular for individuals sensitised to papaya, but that the risk will not exceed that of consumption of papaya. 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 α-l-rhamnosidase from the non-genetically modified Penicillium adametzii strain AE-HP.

The food enzyme α-l-rhamnosidase (α-l-rhamnoside rhamnohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.40) is produced with the non-genetically modified Penicillium adametzii strain AE-HP by Amano Enzymes Inc. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of fruits and vegetables for the production of juices and other fruit products. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 0.022 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 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 300 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 13,636. 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. 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.