FSANZ calls for comment on enzymes and sweeteners

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for comment on two separate applications.

The first is to allow a permitted enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) microbial source.

FSANZ CEO Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme pullulanase is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms and has a long history of safe use. The applicant is looking to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis.

If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, in accordance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

The second application is for the production of food additive sweeteners, steviol glycosides, through bioconversion. The steviol glycosides — rebaudioside M and rebaudioside I — are manufactured using three protein engineered enzymes not currently permitted for such use.

Cuthbert said the steviol glycosides sweeteners are equivalent to others already permitted for use in the code but have a different method of production.

If approved, they will be used as a low-calorie sweetener in a range of food products consistent with other permissions.

FSANZ’s safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers in either case.

For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ call for comment page. Submissions close 6 pm (Canberra time), 25 July 2023.

Image credit: iStock.com/Christian-Fischer