FSANZ calls for comment on enzyme processing aids

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for comment on three applications to allow enzyme processing aids from genetically modified (GM) microbial sources.

Sandra Cuthbert, FSANZ CEO, said the applications seek approval to permit the use of three enzymes, endo-1,4-beta-xylanase enzyme (gene donor Talaromyces leycettanus), alpha-arabinofuranosidase enzyme (gene donor Talaromyces pinophilus) — both sourced from GM Trichoderma reesei — and the carboxypeptidase enzyme sourced from Aspergillus oryzae.

Cuthbert said the enzymes have a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, several of which are already permitted in the FSANZ code. Safety assessments found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.

All submissions will be published on the FSANZ website at the end of the public comment period and all feedback will be considered by FSANZ before a decision is made. The decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree to include the amendment in the code.

The period for comment closes at 6 pm (Canberra time), 22 March 2023.

To make a submission: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/changes/submission/Pages/default.aspx.

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