Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically-modified (GM) microbial source.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme glucoamylase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms.
“The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of fungus known as Aspergillus niger,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.'
If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid in starch processing and potable alcohol production, in accordance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (Canberra time) 8 July 2022.
What happens with my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period.
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before making a decision on whether to approve the application.
FSANZ's decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
More information
- How to make a submission
- Read the assessment documents: A1248 Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus niger
- Additives and processing aids
Media contact:
- 0401 714 265 (Australia)
- +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au