Safety evaluation of the food enzyme subtilisin from the non-genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-CX.

Abstract

The food enzyme subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-CX by Novozymes A/S. The production strain met the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. The food enzyme is intended to be used in eight food manufacturing processes: processing of cereals and other grains for the production of brewed products; processing of dairy products for the production of modified milk proteins and flavouring preparations; processing of plant- and fungal-derived products for the production of plant-based analogues of milk and milk products, protein hydrolysates and edible oils from algae; processing of meat and fish products for the production of protein hydrolysates; processing of yeast and yeast products. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed in the production of edible oils from algae, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining seven food manufacturing processes. Exposure was estimated to be up to 2.393 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. As the production strain qualified for the QPS approach and no issues of concern arose from the production process of the food enzyme, the Panel considered that toxicological studies were unnecessary. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was performed, and a total of 20 matches were found, 17 to respiratory allergens, two to food allergens (found in muskmelon and pomegranate) and one to a contact allergen. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, especially in individuals sensitised to muskmelon or pomegranate, but would not exceed the risk of consuming these foods. 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.