Switzerland updates GMO food ordinance: 33 new enzymes allowed on market without authorisation

"The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (DFI) has proposed an amendment to the Ordinance on Genetically Modified Foodstuffs (ODAlGM) to expand the list of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that can be marketed in Switzerland without prior authorisation. The change specifically adds 33 new food enzymes to Annex 3 of the regulation, enhancing regulatory alignment with the European Union’s approach to food enzymes.
Annex 3 contents:
Part A: Enzymes
This section lists 33 food enzymes produced using genetically modified microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Kluyveromyces lactis, and Komagataella phaffii.
Each enzyme entry specifies:
The EC number (enzyme classification)
Established and systematic names
Producing organism and its strain
Intended use in food manufacturing processes such as baking, brewing, starch processing, dairy transformation, protein processing, oil transformation, and juice production.
Typical enzyme examples and uses included:

Glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4) for bakery processes

Triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) for fat and oil processing

Phospholipase A1 and C for starch and lipid modification

Alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) for starch hydrolysis and brewing

Beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) for lactose breakdown in dairy products

Pullulanase for starch processing

Proteases like trypsin and subtilisin for protein modification.

Part B: Other GMO products
This includes items like genetically modified riboflavin produced by Ashbya gossypii used as a food coloring additive for enrichment.
Regulatory and transitional provisions:
The ordinance amendment replaces Annex 3 with this updated list.

Foodstuffs that do not comply with the modified annex may still be imported, produced, and labeled under prior regulations until January 1, 2027. After this date, all products must conform to the updated annex requirements.

The amendment comes into effect on January 1, 2026.

This annex ensures that these enzyme products, due to their purification and absence of living GMO cells in the final food, are considered safe and regulated with simplified authorization requirements in the Swiss market."