FSANZ calls for comments on GM sourced pectinase

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is on the lookout for comments regarding two processing aids that are produced by a genetically modified organism.

The processing aids are enzymes that would be used in fruit and vegetable juices and products, the production of flavourings and wine, and coffee processing.

The two enzymes, polygalacturonase and pectinesterase, are useful for their ability to break down pectin and would be sourced from a genetically modified strain of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. The enzymes are found naturally in plants, animals and microorganisms.

Both of the processing aids are made by the same company and have been subjected to a slew of toxicological tests. The safety testing found that neither enzyme was unsafe for humans at the levels that would be used in food production. Other countries have already approved or are currently evaluating the enzymes for use in food production.

Those interested in submitting comments can go to this page to do so. Submissions are being accepted until 6:00 pm, 1 July. More information about undertaking the submissions process is available here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ romankosolapov