Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Mucor circinelloides strain AE-LMH

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Mucor circinelloides strain AE-LMH by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes, egg processing and the manufacture of enzyme-modified dairy ingredients (EMDI). Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.242 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 784 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 3,240. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood of such reactions is 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.

Automated summary

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase is produced using non-genetically modified Mucor circinelloides strain AE-LMH and is considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is used in baking, egg processing, and the manufacture of enzyme-modified dairy ingredients. Dietary exposure to this food enzyme was estimated to be up to 0.242 mg TOS/kg bw per day in European populations. Safety tests showed no genotoxicity concerns, and repeated dose toxicity study in rats identified a no observed adverse effect level of 784 mg TOS/kg bw per day. The risk of allergic reactions from dietary exposure is low, but cannot be completely excluded. Based on the data provided, this food enzyme is considered safe under the intended conditions of use.