Give your feedback regarding a processing aid

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is requesting feedback regarding an application to use a processing aid that has been created by a genetically modified source.

The processing aid, an enzyme called phospholipase A1, has been sourced from a strain of Aspergillus niger, which is a kind of fungus that has been consistently used in food processing and manufacturing in Australia for some time now. Genetic modification has tricked it into expressing the enzyme with genes from another fungus called Talaromyces leycettanus.

The enzyme would be used as a degumming agent in the production of vegetable oils and fats with its manufacturer, Novozymes, suggesting that it offers benefits with its cost-efficiency and low water usage. It also leads to cleaner and higher yields of oil.

Health and safety testing has found no cause for concern either, indicating that it is suitable for human consumption. Additionally, Brazil, Denmark, France and Mexico have all authorised the enzyme for use in food production.

FSANZ is accepting comments until 13 September. Go to this page for information about the enzyme and how to make a submission.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Photo Sesaon