FSANZ call for comment on new processing aid

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an already approved enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) source.

FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme (subtilisin) is derived from a GM strain of Bacillus licheniformis. This microorganism has a long history of safe use and is already approved as a source microorganism in the Food Standards Code.

It is intended to be used as a processing aid in the potable alcohol production industry to hydrolyse proteins into peptides and amino acids.

Potable alcohol is used in the spirits industry in liquors, akvavit and aniseed products.

The highly purified product has a neutral colour and taste.

The safety assessment of the enzyme said the genetic modifications in the production organism are "well-characterised, safe and unlikely to pose a safety concern".

The application is also not likely to place costs or regulatory restrictions on the industry or on consumers.

To have your say, visit the FSANZ call for comments page. Submissions close at 6 pm (AEST) on 27 January 2021.

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