Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a permitted enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) microbial source.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme pullulanase is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms and has a long history of safe use.
“The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“Our 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 for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, 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) 25 July 2023.
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 deciding 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:
Media contact:
- 0401 714 265 (Australia)
- +61 401 714 265 (New Zealand)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au