Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet containing chymosin and pepsin A from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats, lambs and buffaloes

The food enzyme containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats, lambs and buffaloes by Caglificio Clerici S.p.A. It is intended to be used in the production of cheese. As no concerns arise from the source of the food enzyme, from its manufacture and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data were not required and no exposure assessment was necessary. The similarity of the amino acid sequences of the two proteins (chymosin and pepsin A) to those of known allergens was searched and two matches were found with respiratory allergens. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet containing chymosin and pepsin A from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats and lambs

The food enzyme rennet containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin A (EC 3.4.23.1) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats and lambs by GENENCOR INTERNATIONAL B.V. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme or from its manufacture and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data and the estimation of dietary exposure were not required. On the basis of literature data, the Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure could not be excluded, but 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.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet paste from the abomasum of suckling goats, lambs and calves

The food enzyme rennet paste containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4), pepsin A (EC 3.4.23.1) and triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling goats, lambs and calves by Caglificio Clerici S.p.A. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme, from its manufacture, and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considers that toxicological data were not required and no exposure assessment was necessary. On the basis of literature data, the Panel considers that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure could not be excluded, but the likelihood is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concludes that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.