Safety evaluation of the food enzyme arabinan endo‐1,5‐α‐l‐arabinanase from the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain ARS R7‐60

Abstract The food enzyme arabinan endo‐1,5‐α‐l‐arabinanase (5‐α‐l‐arabinan 5‐α‐l‐arabinanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.99) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain ARS R7‐60 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.451 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1392 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 3086. A search for the homology of the amino acid sequence of the arabinan endo‐1,5‐α‐l‐arabinanase to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to the food enzyme cannot be excluded, but that the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.