Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has proposed amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the use of dextransucrase (EC 2.4.1.5) as a processing aid in the production of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides from sucrose-containing foods.
Key Points
1.The application, submitted by Danisco Australia Pty Ltd, seeks approval for the enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis containing the dextransucrase gene from Streptococcus salivarius. The enzyme would be used to reduce sucrose content and improve texture during food processing.
2.Following its assessment, FSANZ concluded there are no safety concerns associated with the proposed use and determined the enzyme meets the definition of a processing aid under the Code, as it performs its technological function during processing rather than in the final food for sale.
3.The agency has therefore prepared a draft variation to include the enzyme in the table of permitted processing aids under subsection S18—9(3), with use limited to levels consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice.
If adopted, the amendment would authorize the enzyme’s use in sucrose-based food production subject to existing identity, purity, and regulatory requirements. FSANZ is currently seeking stakeholder submissions on the proposed variation.
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