European Agency Confirms Safety of New Food Enzyme Use
The EFSA approved the use of an enzyme in additional manufacturing processes after a safety assessment.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Nutrition
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the safety of a food enzyme produced from a genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain for use in food processing. This assessment approves the extension of the enzyme lysophospholipase into two additional manufacturing applications.
Why it matters
The safety evaluation ensures that dietary exposure to the enzyme remains well within safe limits established by rigorous testing. This update allows food manufacturers to incorporate the enzyme into more processes while maintaining established safety standards for public consumption.
In an official safety assessment, the EFSA determined a margin of exposure of 21,871 based on a 0.062 mg/kg daily exposure limit versus a no observed adverse effect level of 1356 mg/kg per day. This evaluation covered the use of the enzyme in a total of four manufacturing processes.
The players
European Food Safety Authority
The independent European agency responsible for scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain.
The details
The enzyme lysophospholipase is generated using a genetically modified strain of the fungus Aspergillus niger. During the production process, total organic solids are removed in three of the four assessed food manufacturing applications to ensure purity. The assessment confirmed that even with the extension of use, the intake levels remain thousands of times lower than the safety threshold observed in toxicity testing.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: The European Food Safety Authority published the safety assessment.
Health Landscape
This decision follows the standardized safety evaluation framework used by the European Food Safety Authority to review food enzymes. It reflects the ongoing integration of genetically modified organisms in industrial food production under strict safety and regulatory oversight.
This safety assessment provides regulatory assurance for ingredients used in commercial food manufacturing processes. If you have questions about specific food additives, it is worth discussing the labels on your food products with a healthcare professional or dietitian.
The takeaway
The EFSA assessment confirms that the use of this food enzyme is safe within current manufacturing guidelines. Consumers should check ingredient lists if they have specific sensitivities to food additives or enzymes, and consult their doctor if they have concerns about new food processing methods.
Further reading
For more information on the standards governing food ingredients, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodmate.
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