Australia Approves Enzyme-Converted Steviol Glycosides Produced Using GM E. coli BL21

"The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (FSC 185) has published Amendment No. 245, formalizing the approval of Application A1318, which allows the use of steviol glycosides produced through enzymatic conversion using enzymes derived from genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21.

The variation updates the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, specifically modifying Schedule 3 (Identity and Purity) and Schedule 18 (Processing Aids). The amendment authorizes two processing enzymes—UDP-glucosyltransferases from Stevia rebaudiana and sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) from Arabidopsis thaliana—both expressed in GM E. coli BL21, for the conversion of purified stevia leaf extract into rebaudioside M, a high-purity, clean-taste steviol glycoside.

The change confirms the permitted use of these enzymes under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and aligns with emerging technologies for producing improved stevia sweetener profiles. The variation commences on the gazettal date, 28 October 2025."