Dose 90-day Oral Toxicity Study Research Articles

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme dextranase from Collariella gracilis strain ATCC-16153.

The food enzyme dextranase (6‐α‐d‐glucan 6‐glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.11) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Collariella gracilis strain ATCC‐16153 by Mitsubishi‐Kagaku Foods Corporation. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. The food enzyme is intended to be used in sugar production and processing. As residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed during the production of refined sugars, dietary exposure was calculated only for unrefined sugar products. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme TOS was estimated to be up to 15 μg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 (NOAEL) of 110 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a sufficiently high margin of exposure (MoE) of at least 7,300. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and no 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.

Safety assessment of propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO): 90-days oral subchronic toxicity study in rats

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is one of the main organosulfur compounds present in Allium essentials oil. Different applications in the food sector have been proposed for PTSO, such as food and feed additive and as active packaging. However, the authorization of its use depends on its toxicity profile. Thus, as a part of its safety assessment, in this work a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study has been conducted for the first time in rats following the OECD guideline 408. PTSO was administered to groups of 10 male and 10 female rats at dose levels of 0, 14, 28, and 55 mg/kg/day. No clinical signs or mortality and no changes in body weight, food consumption and feed conversion efficiency were detected through the study. Moreover, no treatment-related changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were observed, for either sex or dose groups. The histopathology study performed revealed no differences in organ weights, and no morphological and histopathological changes were observed. Based on these results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of PTSO was judged to be ≥ 55 mg/kg/day for both sexes.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme phospholipase C from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM-VR.

The food enzyme phospholipase C (phosphatidylcholine cholinephosphohydrolase EC 3.1.4.3) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain NZYM‐VR 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. This phospholipase C is intended for use in degumming of fats and oils. The residual amounts of Total Organic Solids (TOS) are removed during washing and purification steps applied during degumming. Consequently, no dietary exposure was calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 (NOAEL) at the highest dose tested of 714 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched for and no 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 and the removal of TOS during the degumming of fats and oils, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF5427.

The food enzyme endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase (4‐β‐D‐xylan xylanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.8) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF5427 by AB Enzymes GmbH. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. It is intended to be used in baking, brewing and cereal‐based processes, distilled alcohol production and grain treatment for the production of starch and gluten fractions. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed by distillation and during grain treatment, dietary exposure was only calculated for baking, brewing and cereal‐based processes. Based on the proposed maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.119 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level at the highest dose tested of 939 mg TOS/kg bw per day in a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats, resulting in a margin of exposure of at least 7,890. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and no matches were found. The Panel considered that allergenicity can be excluded for distilled alcohol production. The risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions cannot be excluded for baking, brewing and cereal‐based processes, and for grain treatment for the production of starch and gluten fractions, but the likelihood of such reactions to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the removal of TOS during the production of distilled alcohol and grain treatment, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase from Paenibacillus illinoisenis strain 107.

The food enzyme cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase ((1→4)-α-d-glucan:(1→4)-α-d-glucan 4-α-d-[(1→4)-α-d-glucano]-transferase; EC 2.4.1.19) is produced with the non-genetically modified Paenibacillus illinoisenis strain 107 by Hayashibara Co., Ltd. The cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase food enzyme is intended to be used solely by the applicant in-house in starch processing for trehalose production. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of trehalose, dietary exposure was not calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panelidentified a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 39 mg TOS/kg body weight per day, the highest dose tested. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and one match was found. The Panelconsidered that, under the intended condition of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for such reactions to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panelconcluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-alpha-glucosidase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nzh38.

The food enzyme glucoamylase (4-α-D-glucan glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nzh38 by Danisco US Inc. 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 food enzyme is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production, starch processing for glucose syrup production, baking and brewing processes. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by distillation and by purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, consequently, dietary exposure was not calculated for these uses. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for baking and brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 5.8749mg TOS/kg body weight per day. The toxicity studies were carried out with another glucoamylase from T. reesei (strain DP-Nzh49) considered by the Panelas a suitable substitute. Genotoxicity tests did not raise safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panelidentified no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at the highest dose tested of 1,149mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day resulting in a margin of exposure of at least 195. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched for and one match was found. The Panelconsidered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panelconcluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme lysophospholipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM‐LP

The food enzyme is a lysophospholipase (2-lysophosphatidylcholine acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.5) produced with a genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-LP 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 lysophospholipase food enzyme is intended to be used in starch processing for glucose syrups production, and for degumming of fats and oils. Residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, and washing and purification steps applied during degumming, consequently, dietary exposure estimation was considered not necessary. Genotoxicity tests did not raise safety concerns. The repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study was carried out with a phospholipase A1 from A. niger (strain NZYM-FP). The Panel considered this enzyme as a suitable substitute to be used in this toxicity study in rats, because they derive from the same recipient strain, the location of the inserts are comparable, no partial inserts were present and the production methods are essentially the same. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at the highest dose tested of 1,356 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no 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 for this occurring is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the removal of TOS during the starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and during the degumming of fats and oils, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Ogataea polymorpha strain DP-Jzk33.

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified Ogataea polymorpha strain DP‐Jzk33 by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. It is intended to be used in baking and cereal‐based processes. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for baking and cereal‐based processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.520 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 669 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested. Comparison with the estimated dietary exposure results in a margin of exposure of at least 1,287. A search was made of the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the lipase to those of known allergens and no 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 of such reactions to occur is likely 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-amylase from the genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens strain BD15754.

The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐a‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens strain BD15754 by BASF Enzymes LLC1. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The α‐amylase is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production and starch processing for the production of glucose syrups. Residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by distillation and by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, consequently, dietary exposure was not calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 (NOAEL) at the highest dose of 887 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no 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 of such reactions to occur is considered to be low. However, the food enzyme contains residual amounts of a highly important antimicrobial for human medicine, with the consequent risk of promoting the development of resistance. Therefore, the Panel concludes that the food enzyme α‐amylase, produced with the genetically modified P. fluorescens strain BD15754 cannot be considered safe.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of Echinops kebericho decoction in rats

BackgroundEchinops kebericho is widely used for treatment of a variety of diseases including infectious, non-infectious disease and fumigation during child birth. Antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-leshimania, anti-diarrheal and insect repellent activities have been elucidated. Its toxicity profile is not yet investigated and thus this study was to investigate acute and sub-acute toxicity of E. kebericho decoctions.MethodsAcute toxicity study was performed in female Wistar albino rats with single oral dose and followed up to 14 days. The sub-acute oral dose toxicity studies were conducted in rats of both sexes in accordance with the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodent OECD guidelines. Physical observations were made regularly during the study period while body weight was measured weekly. Organ weight, histopathology, clinical chemistry and hematology data were collected on the 29th day. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed if assumptions were met; otherwise Kruskal-Wallis analysis was performed.ResultOral administration of E. kebericho decoction showed no treatment-related mortality in female rats up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity studies, no significant treatment-related abnormalities were observed compared to negative controls. Food consumption, body weight, organ weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, and histopathology did not show significant variation between controls and treatment groups. However, creatinine, relative lung weight, triglycerides, and monocytes were lower in treated compared to control groups. Significant variations between male and female groups in food consumption, relative organ weight, hematology, clinical chemistry were observed. Histolo-pathology of high-dose treated groups showed fatty liver.ConclusionEchinops kebericho showed LD50 of greater than 5000 mg/kg in acute toxicity study and is well tolerated up to the dose of 600 mg/kg body weight in sub-acute toxicity study.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme maltogenic amylase from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP-Dzr50.

The food enzyme maltogenic amylase (glucan 1,4‐α‐maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP‐Dzr50 by Danisco US Inc. The production strain of the food enzyme contains multiple copies of a known antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA from the production organism in the food enzyme, this is not considered to be a risk. The food enzyme is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production, starch processing for the production of glucose syrups, baking and brewing processes. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed by distillation and starch processing, no dietary exposure was calculated for these processes. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for baking and brewing and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.199 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 at least 80 mg TOS/kg bw per day which, compared to the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 400. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and three matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure can be excluded in distilled alcohol production and is considered to be low in starch processing, baking and brewing. 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme xylose isomerase from the genetically modified Streptomyces rubiginosus strain DP-Pzn37.

The food enzyme is a d‐xylose aldose‐ketose‐isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5) produced with the genetically modified Streptomyces rubiginosus strain DP‐Pzn37 by Danisco US Inc. Although the production strain contains antibiotic resistance genes, the food enzyme was shown to be free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in an immobilised form for the isomerisation of glucose for the production of high fructose syrups. Residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are eliminated by the use of an immobilised food enzyme and further removed by the purification steps applied during the production of high fructose syrups using the immobilised enzyme; consequently, dietary exposure was not calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise safety concerns. The systemic toxicity was assessed by a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 85.2 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no 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 immobilisation process and the removal of total organic solids during the production of high fructose syrups, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Sublethal Toxicity of Thiamethoxam Insecticide in Albino Mice: Biochemical, Oxidative Damage and Histopathological Evaluations

The Neonicotinoid insecticides are presently used in great amounts, but this can be a problem when the possible risks of occupational and environmental contamination are considered. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential adverse effects of sublethal doses of Thiamethoxam insecticide on serum biochemical, oxidative stress and histological alterations in male albino mice via 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study. The possible ameliorative effect of selenium plus vitamin E against the harmful effects of Thiamethoxam was also investigated. Mice in Thiamethoxam-treated groups received three sublethal doses (6, 12, and 30 mg/kg b.w./day). Animals in another group were orally co-administered selenium + vitamin E with the higher dose of insecticide. The results showed that Thiamethoxam significantly (p < 0.05) increased cholesterol levels and liver enzyme activities, in dose-dependent manner, compared to those of the control group. Levels of creatinine were not significantly changed, whereas uric acid increased at high doses. The oxidative stress parameters were significantly increased in association with decrease in total antioxidants level. The histological analysis revealed that the higher dose induced various alterations in tissues of vital organs, i.e. liver, kidney, lung and testes. Interestingly, the ameliorative effect of selenium + vitamin E in restoring the oxidative stress parameters was reflected by reducing severity of histopathological lesions. In conclusion, it appears that the sublethal dose < 6.0 mg/kg b.w./day, in repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study, in male albino mice may be considered as No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) of Thiamethoxam. Additionally, the antioxidant selenium, in mixture with vitamin E, showed an ameliorative effect against Thiamethoxam-induced toxicity.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae (strain DP-Bzb41).

The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with a non‐genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae (strain DP‐Bzb41) by Danisco US Inc. (USA). The α‐amylase food enzyme is intended to be used in baking, brewing, distilled alcohol production and starch processing for the glucose syrup production. Based on the maximum use levels for baking and brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 2.59 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Since residual amounts of TOS are removed during distilled alcohol production and by the purification steps applied during starch processing, dietary exposure for these processes was not calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 (NOAEL) of 1,000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested. Comparison with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 386. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and one match to respiratory allergen was found (an amylase from another strain of A. oryzae). 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from Trichodermareesei (strain RF10625).

The food enzyme triacylglycerol acylhydrolase (EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with a genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF10625 by AB Enzymes. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes and cereal‐based processes. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.119 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 1,000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 8,400. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no matches were 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 to occur 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme cellulase from Trichoderma reesei (strain DP-Nzc36).

The food enzyme cellulase (4‐(1,3;1,4)‐beta‐D‐glucan 4‐glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.4) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP‐Nzc36 by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production, starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and brewing processes. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed by distillation and starch processing, no dietary exposure was calculated for these food processes. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme‐total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.131 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 at least 97.6 mg TOS/kg bw per day which, compared to the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 745. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure can be excluded in distilled alcohol production and is considered to be low when the enzyme is used in starch processing and brewing processes. 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme maltogenic amylase from genetically modified Escherichiacoli (strain BLASC).

The food enzyme, a maltogenic amylase (glucan 1,4‐α‐maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133), is produced with a genetically modified Escherichia coli strain BLASC by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This maltogenic amylase is intended to be used in baking and brewing processes and starch processing for the production of glucose syrups. Residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups; consequently, dietary exposure was not calculated for this food process. For baking and brewing processes, based on the maximum use levels recommended for food processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–TOS was estimated to be up to 0.107 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 tested of 838 mg TOS/kg bw per day that, compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a sufficiently high margin of exposure (at least 7,800). Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and one match was found with respiratory allergen produced by Aspergillus oryzae. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk for allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood of such reaction to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not raise safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety assessment of the ethanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium Benth. leaves: a 90-day oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats

BackgroundThe leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth. have long been recognized traditionally as a remedy for a variety of ailments in Africa. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of G. latifolium (GLES) leaves through a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in male and female of Sprague Dawley rats.MethodsGLES was orally administered at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day consecutively for 90 days.ResultsNo behavioral or physiological changes and mortality were observed. GLES did not have a marked impact on general hematological parameters and did not precipitate nephrotoxicity. However, compared to the control, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were lower and white adipose tissue paired retroperitoneal fat depots were depleted in male rats treated with GLES3 by the end of the experiment. The liver was significantly enlarged in GLES-treated rats of both sexes. Negative gender-specific alterations were observed with the highest dose. Adverse risk was evident in the female rats mainly due to marked body weight gain and cerebrum weight reduction.ConclusionFurther research is needed to reach more specific conclusions about to the safety of ingesting high doses of GLES for long periods of time.

Toxicological Assessment of a Standardized Boswellia serrata Gum Resin Extract.

The acidic and non-acidic fractions of Boswellia serrata gum resin extracts were combined to prepare a unique product, LI13019F1 (Serratrin). The present series of studies evaluated LI13019F1 for acute and subchronic (28-day) toxicity in Wistar rats and acute dermal and eye irritation in New Zealand white rabbits. The mutagenicity and clastogenicity of LI13019F1 were evaluated in bacteria and mouse bone marrow erythrocytes, respectively. All studies were performed following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. Acute oral and acute dermal toxicity studies did not show mortality or signs of toxicity in Wistar rats at a limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg LI13019F1. LI13019F1 did not cause irritation to the skin or the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. In a repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study, LI13019F1-treated Wistar rats did not show dose-related signs of toxicity on their body weights, organ weights, and on the hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. The estimated no observed adverse effect level for LI13019F1 was 1,000 mg/kg/day in both male and female rats. The bacterial reverse mutation test and a micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow erythrocytes revealed that LI13019F1 was neither mutagenic nor clastogenic. Together, the present observations demonstrate a broad-spectrum safety of LI13019F1.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-maltotetraohydrolase from Bacilluslicheniformis (strain DP-Dzr46).

The food enzyme glucan 1,4‐α‐maltotetraohydrolase (4‐α‐d‐glucan maltotetraohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.60) is produced with a genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP‐Dzr46 by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The glucan 1,4‐α‐maltotetraohydrolase food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.405 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The toxicity studies were carried out with another glucan 1,4‐α‐maltotetraohydrolase from B. licheniformis (strain DP‐Dzf24). The Panel considered this food enzyme as a suitable substitute to be used in the toxicological studies, because it derives from the same recipient strain as strain DP‐Dzr46, the location of the inserts is comparable, no partial inserts were present and the production methods are comparable. Genotoxicity tests did not raise 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 (NOAEL) at the highest dose of 94 mg TOS/kg bw per day that, compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a sufficiently high margin of exposure of at least 232. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and none 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.