Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to extend the use of a permitted enzyme processing aid from a genetically modified (GM) source to the brewing of beer.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme alpha-glucosidase is already approved to be used as processing aid in a range of foods but not in beer.
The enzyme is produced from a GM strain of Trichoderma reesei which has a long history of safe use as the source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Code.
“If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of beer, including low alcohol and lower carbohydrate beer,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.'
For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ¯call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (Canberra time) 25 April 2023.
What happens with my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period.
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before deciding on whether to approve the application.
FSANZ's decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
More information
- How to make a submission
- Read the assessment¯documents: A1245 - Alpha-glucosidase from GM Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid in brewing
- Additives and processing aids
Media contact:
- 0401 714 265
- +61 401 714 265
- media@foodstandards.gov.au