Safety evaluation of the food enzyme phospholipase A1 from the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-PP

The food enzyme phospholipase A1 (phosphatidylcholine 1-acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.32) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM-PP by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.012 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 575.1 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 47,925. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no matches were 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 for this to occur is low. The Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Automated summary

This article presents a genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain that produces a food enzyme, phospholipase A1, used in cheese production. Safety assessments indicate that this food enzyme is safe for use under the intended conditions.