European Food Safety Authority Gives Green Light to Novozymes’ Xylanase

15 May 2014 --- Novozymes became the first enzyme producer to receive positive recommendation, known as the Scientific Opinion, from EFSA as part of the FIAP regulatory system. The enzyme in question is a xylanase that is used widely in baking, distilling, brewing and other cereal based food manufacturing processes.

The Food Improvement Agents Package (FIAP) has been in force since 2009 leading to a harmonized regulatory system for food enzymes across the European Union and securing consumer confidence in food safety. A pivotal milestone involves food enzyme manufacturers submitting dossiers for all food enzymes currently sold or used in Europe, including those used in the production of imported food. The deadline for submission is March 2015.

“Novozymes was the first enzyme manufacturer to submit dossiers and has up until now submitted 20 dossiers – that is actually more submitted dossiers than the amount submitted by all the other companies put together,” a spokesperson told FoodIngredientsFirst. “Only after EFSA’s safety evaluation and positive recommendation of the food enzymes can these be considered for inclusion on the list of approved food enzymes by EU decision-makers. In future, only enzymes found on this list can be used by manufacturers to produce food sold in the EU.”

The Novozymes’ xylanase has been used for decades and was already evaluated and approved by the French and Danish food authorities. EFSA’s report confirms the high safety standards the xylanase meets. The next step in the FIAP process involves an examination of the technological aspects and the intended use of the enzyme within food processing. This will be carried out by Member States and the Commission. Full implementation of FIAP is expected in 2021. Based on the results of the assessments, the European Commission will propose a list of food enzymes to be authorized. This will become the first EU list of approved food enzymes.

“Food producers depend on enzyme manufacturers such as Novozymes for a reliable supply that meets global regulatory requirements. Our commitment was evident from the very beginning, as we were the first to submit dossiers as early as in May 2012,” says Signe Munk, Vice President of Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs at Novozymes, “We’re very proud to also be the first enzyme producer to receive EFSA’s positive feedback for our xylanase.”

“We really support FIAP’s goal - to reassure consumer confidence in food safety - and that is why we are very proactive in our compliance,” says Signe Munk, “It’s all part of our effort to be a trustworthy and preferred partner for our customers.” When FIAP is fully implemented, only authorized food enzymes that are on the list will be allowed to be commercialized and used in the production of food sold in the EU.

EFSA CEF Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids), 2014. Scientific Opinion on xylanase from a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae (strain NZYM-FB). EFSA Journal 2014;12(5):3645, 2 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3645