Sensitizing Enzymes In Industrial Processes

27 Sep 2016 --- The recently published study "Sensitizing effects of genetically modified enzymes used in flavor, fragrance, detergence and pharmaceutical production: cross-sectional study" addresses enzyme use in the workplace and has been reported in media. 

The authors refer to the well-known fact that enzymes (naturally occurring and industrially produced) may cause allergies for people working with enzymes in industrial processes. As with many other allergies resulting from flour, pollen and other proteins, there are ways of preventing them. A large body of published research as well as data from production facilities at leading companies around the world, confirm that the risks for workers are minimized with the right processes currently in place in the industry. Industries that use enzymes have guidelines in place to ensure that workers take the necessary measures to protect themselves.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst Karl-Heinz Maurer said: "It is important to stress that the allergy risk is related to people working with enzymes in industrial processes, and not to consumers. The allergy risk for industry workers is no more severe than other allergens like house dust mites, pollen, latex, cat hair or horse hair, or other respiratory sensitizers."
 
Maurer added: "The wording ‘potent’ can be misleading as it suggests that there is a higher risk of allergy with enzymes than with other respiratory sensitizers. Enzymes are proteins and it is known that this may cause allergic reactions for those handling enzymes in production." 
 
Enzymes are regulated worldwide, and are approved as safe biological ingredients in the manufacture of numerous products such as detergents, textiles and food. 

AMFEP members supply enzymes that provide environmentally friendly products to industry thanks to using less energy, water and raw materials and generating less waste. The enzymes industry continues to innovate in this area, to further improve its benefits to industrial processes, and continues to engage with scientists, industry and interest groups.

"A large body of published research as well as data from production facilities at leading companies around the world, confirm that the risks for workers can be controlled with the right production and hygiene processes in the industry," explains Maurer. 
 
There are strict guidelines on how to use or not to use enzymes in industry. 
 
Those guidelines include: 

· Engineering measures (ventilation, encapsulation of enzymes or critical process steps)
· Combined with control of the worker’s air for enzyme levels – in relation to occupational exposure levels
· Personal protection equipment
· Training and information
· Medical surveillance 
 
AMFEP has been providing companies and industry groups working with enzymes health and safety guidelines to minimize any possibility of an allergic reaction. 

by Elizabeth Kenward