Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain...

The food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase (4-α-d-glucan glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nzh109 by Genencor International B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in two food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme-total organic solids are removed in these two processes, dietary exposure was not estimated and toxicity testing was considered unnecessary. A search for the homology of the amino acid sequence of the glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase to known allergens was made and a match with one respiratory allergen was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but that the likelihood is 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.