Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FL100SC

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with a genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FL100SC 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 its DNA. The triacylglycerol lipase is intended to be used only in an immobilised form in the production of modified fats and oils by interesterification. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by filtration and purification steps applied during fats and oils processing for interesterification, 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) of 849 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. The similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considers 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, including the immobilisation process and the absence of TOS in the final product, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.