Safety evaluation of the food enzyme cellulase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain NZYM-FS

The food enzyme cellulase (4-(1,3; 1,4)-β-d-glucan-4-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.4) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain NZYM-FS by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications did 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 four food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed in two processes, dietary exposure was calculated for the remaining two food manufacturing processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.140 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. 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 of 1292 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 9229. A search for the homology of the amino acid sequence of the cellulase to known allergens was made and no match 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.