Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is evaluating Application A1321, submitted by Novozymes Australia Pty Ltd, to amend Schedule 18 – Processing Aids of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The application seeks approval for an acetolactate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.5) enzyme produced by a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis expressing the acetolactate decarboxylase gene from Bacillus brevis. The enzyme is intended for use as a processing aid in: 1.Brewing processes 2.Other cereal-based beverage processes 3.Beverage alcohol (distilling) processes The enzyme converts alpha-acetolactate directly into acetoin during fermentation, thereby reducing the formation of diacetyl, a compound associated with undesirable off-flavours in alcoholic beverages. This can help improve flavour quality and accelerate product maturation, reducing production time. According to the applicant's safety dossier, the production organism has a history of safe use in enzyme manufacturing, the genetic modifications are well characterised, and the final enzyme preparation complies with international purity specifications. Toxicological studies, including mutagenicity and 13-week oral toxicity studies, reportedly identified no safety concerns. The enzyme has also received approvals or positive evaluations in other jurisdictions, including Denmark, France, Mexico, and the United States. If approved, Schedule 18 would be amended to add “Bacillus licheniformis, containing the gene for acetolactate decarboxylase isolated from Bacillus brevis” as a permitted source organism for acetolactate decarboxylase
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