Open AccessSafety evaluation of the food enzyme α‐amylase from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM ‐ KE
Author(s) -
Silano Vittorio,
Barat Baviera José Manuel,
Bolognesi Claudia,
Cocconcelli Pier Sandro,
Crebelli Riccardo,
Gott David Michael,
Grob Konrad,
Lambré Claude,
Lampi Evgenia,
Mengelers Marcel,
Mortensen Alicja,
Rivière Gilles,
Steffensen IngerLise,
Tlustos Christina,
Van Loveren Henk,
Vernis Laurence,
Zorn Holger,
Glandorf Boet,
Herman Lieve,
Aguilera Jaime,
Andryszkiewicz Magdalena,
Liu Yi,
Ranieri Sandra,
Chesson Andrew
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6433
Subject(s) - food science , amylase , food safety , bacillus licheniformis , genotoxicity , animal feed , enzyme , starch , chemistry , genetically modified organism , food additive , microbiology and biotechnology , toxicity , enzyme assay , biology , biochemistry , bacillus subtilis , gene , bacteria , genetics , organic chemistry
The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐α‐ d ‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM ‐ KE by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA . The α‐amylase is intended to be used in starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, and distilled alcohol production. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups and distillation, no dietary exposure was calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level at the highest dose of 1,100 mg TOS /kg body weight (bw) per day. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.