Safety evaluation of the food enzyme glucan 1,4 α-glucosidase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-BR

The food enzyme glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase (4-α-d-glucan glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-BR 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 food enzyme is intended to be used in starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and distilled alcohol. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups and by distillation, dietary exposure estimation was considered not necessary. 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 1,135 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched for and two matches were found. The Panel considered that under the intended conditions of use (other than distilled alcohol production) 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 Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.