Danisco seeks clearance for bakery enzyme in Australia
agency calling on companies and organisations to comment on a host
of new proposals, including applications from DSM Nutritional and
Danisco Australia.
The changes include a review of the novel food standard, the use of medium chain triglycerides in infant formula, and two new processing aids.
DSM Nutritional Products Australia has applied for permission to use medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) as processing aids in the preparation of infant formula products.
While FSANZ will assess the claim that there are no public health or safety issues linked to the application, the agency said it is looking for feedback on the risk to human health of using MCTs, derived from coconut and palm kernel oils, as processing aids in infant formula products.
"We also invite comment on the technological justification provided by the applicant and the costs and benefits of amending the Code," the agency added.
Ingredients firm Danisco Australia is looking for approval to use the enzyme lipase triacylglycerol, produced using recombinant DNA techniques from the host yeast Hansenula polymorpha, as a processing aid.
The enzyme is used in bread making to improve dough stability and dough handling properties.
Processing aids must undergo a pre-market safety assessment before approval for use in Australia and New Zealand, hence the FSANZ is now seeking information to assist its assessment" of Danisco application.
In a second enzyme application, Biocatalysts is seeking to clear use of the enzyme lipase triacylglycerol, derived from the fungus Mucor javanicus, as a processing aid.
FSANZ said it has "determined that the enzyme obtained from this source does not raise any public health and safety concerns". Indeed, the agency claims its use "will help promote an efficient and internationally competitive food industry."
"The benefits of permitting its use outweigh any costs associated with its use. We invite comment on our proposed decision to approve the use of lipase triacylglycerol from this source," concluded FSANZ.
Novel foods are described by FSANZ as "non-traditional foods that have features or characteristics which raise possible safety concerns" because they do not have a history of significant human consumption in Australia or New Zealand.
The agency is currently undertaking a review of the way novel foods are regulated and is recommending that the present food standard (Standard 1.5.1 -Novel Foods) should be retained, albeit with amendments to the definitions of "non-traditional" and "novel" foods.
"We are also recommending that the process for determining novelty should continue," said the agency.
Although FSANZ added that it will adopt guidelines for novel foods that should provide greater clarity and transparency for stakeholders on how novelty is assessed.
FSANZ, Australia and New Zealand's food agency, has received an application from the Beer, Wine and Spirits Council of New Zealand to amend the code to exempt beer and wine from the need to declare the presence of isinglass on the label.
Isinglass -a processing aid derived from fish -is used as a clarifying agent for beer and wine.
It is identified on the label to protect people who may suffer from an adverse reaction to fish products, says FSANZ.
The exemption is being sought on the basis that isinglass has a long history of safe use as a processing aid in wine and beer.
The food industry is invited to send comments on the proposed changes to FSANZ.
