Abstract
Abstract The food enzyme β‐fructofuranosidase (β‐D‐fructofuranoside fructohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.26) is produced with the genetically modified (GM) Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐996 by AB Enzymes. The safety of this food enzyme was evaluated previously, and it did not give rise to safety concerns when used in three food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include three additional processes and to amend the specifications for the food additive invertase (E 1103) to include its production with the GM Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐996. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of six food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.618 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (1000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 1618. Based on the revised exposure estimation, the newly derived margin of exposure and the previous evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use. In addition, the Panel concluded that there is no safety concern with respect to the proposed amended specifications of the food additive invertase (E 1103) produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐996, as they are comparable to those of the already authorised invertase (E 1103) produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.