Safety evaluation of an extension of use 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 Penicillium adametzii strain AE-HP by Amano Enzymes Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in two food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was calculated to be up to 0.022 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Using the no observed adverse effect level reported in the previous opinion (300 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 13,636. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use 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. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in five food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to thirteen additional processes and to revise the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of eighteen food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed from the final foods in two food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining sixteen processes. Dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.678 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised dietary exposure in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme bacillolysin from the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AE-NP.

The food enzyme bacillolysin (EC 3.4.24.28) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AE-NP by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in thirteen food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of fifteen food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed in two food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining thirteen processes. Dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 35.251 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised dietary exposure in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-amylase from the non-genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain AE-TA.

The food enzyme α-amylase (4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the non-genetically modified microorganism Bacillus licheniformis strain AE-TA by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed in two food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining six processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.056 mg TOS/kg body weight 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. Consequently, in the absence of other concerns, the Panel considered that toxicological studies were not needed for the safety 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 two matches with respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded (except for the production of distilled alcohol), 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 an extension of use of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase from the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-G.

The food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase (4-α-d-glucan glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-G by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in one food manufacturing process. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to nine additional processes and revised the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme for uses in a total of 10 food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) is removed from the final foods in two food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining eight processes. Dietary exposure was up to 0.424 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (1868 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 4406. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the margin of exposure revised in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme ß-amylase from the non-genetically modified Bacillus flexus strain AE-BAF.

The food enzyme ß-amylase (4-α-d-glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus flexus strain AE-BAF by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in three food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to four additional processes and revised the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme for use in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed from the final foods in one food manufacturing process, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining six processes. The dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.247 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the dietary exposure revised in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

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 an extension of use of the food enzyme 4-α-glucanotransferase from the non-genetically modified Aeribacillus pallidus strain AE-SAS.

The food enzyme 4-α-glucanotransferase (1,4-α-d-glucan:1,4-α-d-glucan 4-α-d-glycosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.25) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aeribacillus pallidus strain AE-SAS by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in two food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme for use in a total of four food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) is removed from the final foods in one food manufacturing process, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining three processes. Dietary exposure was up to 0.040 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level reported in the previous opinion (900 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 22,500. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain AR-183.

The food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1 → 4)-α-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase EC 3.2.1.15) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain AR-183 by AB ENZYMES GmbH. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in five food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme for use in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) is removed from the final foods in three food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining four processes. Dietary exposure was up to 0.087 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the NOAEL reported in the previous opinion (1000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 11,494. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use 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. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in five food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme for uses in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) is removed from the final foods in three food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated only for the remaining four processes. Dietary exposure was up to 0.575 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the NOAEL reported in the previous opinion (1000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 1739. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

The 2022 European Union report on pesticide residues in food.

Under European Union legislation (Article 32, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), the European Food Safety Authority provides an annual report assessing the pesticide residue levels in foods on the European market. In 2022, 96.3% of the overall 110,829 samples analysed fell below the maximum residue level (MRL), 3.7% exceeded this level, of which 2.2% were non-compliant, i.e. results in a given sample exceeded the MRL after taking into account the measurement uncertainty. For the EU-coordinated multiannual control programme subset, 11,727 samples were analysed of which 0.9% were non-compliant. To assess acute and chronic risk to consumer health, dietary exposure to pesticide residues was estimated and compared with available health-based guidance values (HBGV). Continuation of the probabilistic assessment methodology was consolidated to all pesticides listed in the 2022 EU Regulation providing the probability of a consumer being exposed to an exceedance of the HBGV. Overall, the assessed risk to EU consumer's health is low. Recommendations to risk managers are given to increase the effectiveness of European control systems and to ensure a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU.

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 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 glutaminase from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-JQ.

The food enzyme glutaminase (l-glutamine amidohydrolase EC 3.5.1.2) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-JQ by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The production strain met the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS). The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The enzyme under assessment is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.148 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Given the QPS status of the production strain and the absence of concern resulting from the food enzyme manufacturing process, toxicological studies were not considered necessary. A search was made for the similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens and one match with a pollen allergen was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, particularly for individuals sensitised to birch and oak pollen. The Panel concluded that the food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Mucor circinelloides strain AE-LMH.

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Mucor circinelloides strain AE-LMH by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in three food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to include two additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of five food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.845 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (784 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 928. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme peroxidase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain MOX.

The food enzyme peroxidase (phenolic donor: hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain MOX by DSM Food Specialties B.V. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in one food manufacturing process. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to include an additional process. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of two food manufacturing processes: processing of dairy products for the production of modified milk proteins and the production of plant-based analogues of milk and milk products. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.091 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Using the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (2162 mg TOS/kg bw per day), the Panel derived a margin of exposure (MoE) of at least 23,758. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised MoE, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme α-glucosidase from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain AE-TGU.

The food enzyme α-glucosidase (α-d-glucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.20) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain AE-TGU by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in four food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to include three additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.693 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (1062 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 1532. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme mucorpepsin from the non-genetically modified Rhizomucor miehei strain LP-N836.

The food enzyme mucorpepsin (EC 3.4.23.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizomucor miehei strain LP-N836 by Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd. The native enzyme can be chemically modified to produce a more thermolabile form. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of dairy products for the production of cheese and fermented dairy products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.108 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 95 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 880. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and four matches with respiratory allergens and one with a food allergen (mustard) were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme, particularly in individuals sensitised to mustard proteins, cannot be excluded. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that both the native and thermolabile forms of this food enzyme do not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

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.