Abstract
Abstract The food enzyme mannan endo‐1,4‐β‐mannosidase (1,4‐β‐d‐mannan mannanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.78) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain HBI‐GM01 by HBI Enzymes Inc. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in three food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.824 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Toxicological studies were not evaluated due to uncertainties on the representativeness of the test item. A search for the homology of the amino acid sequence of the endo‐1,4‐β‐mannosidase to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but that the likelihood is low. Due to the discrepancies and uncertainties identified in the data provided, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the food enzyme.