Endo-polygalacturonase, a food enzyme from the genetically engineered Aspergillus niger strain EPG, has been evaluated for safety by the EFSA

DSM Food Specialties B.V. produces the dietary enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1-4)d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase; EC 3.1.15) using the genetically altered Aspergillus niger strain EPG. ||

It is designed to be used in the creation of juice from processed fruits and vegetables. Total organic solids (TOS), a food enzyme, were found to be ingested by European people at a rate of up to 0.122 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day. ||

Genotoxicity studies revealed no safety issues. A 90-day oral toxicity trial in rats with repeated doses was used to evaluate the systemic toxicity. There are two food allergens among the 38 matches that were discovered when the amino acid sequence of a food enzyme was compared to known allergens. ||

The panel came to the conclusion that, when used as designed, this food enzyme does not raise any safety issues.