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."
