Call for comment on GM processing aid for baking and brewing

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit a genetically modified (GM) processing aid for use in baking, brewing, distilled alcohol production and starch processing. 

The application is seeking approval of a protein-engineered variant of the enzyme glucoamylase as a processing aid to produce glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. 

The enzyme is sourced from a GM strain of Aspergillus niger containing a protein-engineered variant of the glucoamylase gene from Gloeophyllum sepiarium. The proposed use of glucoamylase as an enzyme processing aid in the quantity and form proposed is consistent with its typical function of breaking down starch into glucose. 

Aspergillus niger has a history of safe use as a production microorganism of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Code.  

Based on FSANZ’s assessment, no public health and safety concerns were identified under the proposed usage. 

To have your say about this application, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 6 pm (AEDT) on 24 September 2024.

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