Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo‐polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐414

TL;DR

This study evaluates the safety of a food enzyme produced by a genetically modified fungus and concludes it is safe for use in food manufacturing.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive safety assessment of a genetically modified endo-polygalacturonase enzyme for food use.

Findings

The enzyme is free from viable cells and DNA from the production organism.

Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.216 mg TOS/kg body weight per day.

A margin of exposure of at least 4630 was calculated, indicating low risk.

Abstract

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 AR‐414 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. 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 three food manufacturing processes, dietary exposure was calculated for the remaining five food processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.216 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, results in a margin of exposure of at least 4630. A search for the homology of the amino acid sequence of the endo‐polygalacturonase to known allergens was made and matches with one food allergen and 12 respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to the food enzyme 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.