Update to the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to Enable the Use of the Enzyme Asparaginase, from Bacillus subtilis MOL2940, in Grains, Unstandardized Foods and Green Coffee

Background

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of the enzyme asparaginase, obtained from Bacillus subtilis MOL2940, in bread, flour, whole wheat flour, unstandardized foods and green coffee.

Asparaginase is used in food applications to reduce the amount of acrylamide that can be formed during cooking or heat processing from the amino acid asparagine that is naturally present in food. Asparaginase from other microbial sources is already permitted for use in these same foods.

As no safety concerns were raised through this assessment, the Department has enabled the food additive use described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Food Enzymes, effective May 21, 2015. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

Information Document

To obtain an electronic copy of the Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to Enable the Use of the Enzyme Asparaginase, from Bacillus subtilis MOL2940, in Bread, Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Unstandardized Foods and Green Coffee - Document Reference number: NOM/ADM-0050, please contact our publications office or send an e-mail to publications@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject heading "hpfb BCS nom-adm-0050-eng".

Contact Information

Health Canada's Food Directorate is committed to reviewing any new scientific information on the safety in use of any food additive, including asparaginase from Bacillus subtilis MOL2940. Anyone wishing to submit new scientific information on the use of this additive or to submit any inquiries may do so in writing, by regular mail or electronically. If you wish to contact the Food Directorate electronically, please use the words "asparaginase from Bacillus subtilis MOL2940" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Supporting Information

Page details

Date modified: