1.3 The current Standard 1.3.1 Standard 1.3.3 and Schedule 18 Enzymes used in processing and manufacturing food are considered processing aids, regulated under Standard 1.3.3. Only those enzymes and sources listed in Schedule 18 are permitted to be used in producing food sold in Australia and New Zealand. Permitted enzymes of microbial origin, in conjunction with their permitted source organisms, are listed in the table to subsection S18—4(5). There is no current permission in this subsection for the enzyme (EC number 3.2.1.23) sourced from B. β-galactosidase licheniformis. 1.3.2 International standards Codex Alimentarius does not have specific standards for processing aids or enzymes, and many countries do not regulate processing aids or enzymes in the same manner as the Code. However, there are internationally recognised specifications for enzymes. These enzyme specifications are provided by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA, 2006) and the Food Chemicals Codex (Food Chemicals Codex, 2015). 1.4 Reasons for accepting Application The Application was accepted for assessment because: it complied with the procedural requirements under subsection 22(2); and it related to a matter that warranted the variation of a food regulatory measure]. 1.5 Procedure for assessment The Application was assessed under the General Procedure. 1.6 Decision The draft variation as proposed following assessment was approved without change. The variation takes effect on the date of gazettal. The approved draft variation is at Attachment A. The related explanatory statement is at Attachment B. An explanatory statement is required to accompany an instrument if it is lodged on the Federal Register of Legislation. 2 Summary of the findings 2.1 Summary of issues raised in submissions Three submissions were received, two from government and one from an industry peak body. All three supported the proposed variation and two also provided an analysis of their reasoning. No issues were raised.
1.3 The current Standard 1.3.1 Standard 1.3.3 and Schedule 18 Enzymes used in processing and manufacturing food are considered processing aids, regulated under Standard 1.3.3. Only those enzymes and sources listed in Schedule 18 are permitted to be used in producing food sold in Australia and New Zealand. Permitted enzymes of microbial origin, in conjunction with their permitted source organisms, are listed in the table to subsection S18—4(5). There is no current permission in this subsection for the enzyme β-galactosidase (EC number 3.2.1.23) sourced from B. licheniformis. 1.3.2 International standards Codex Alimentarius does not have specific standards for processing aids or enzymes, and many countries do not regulate processing aids or enzymes in the same manner as the Code. However, there are internationally recognised specifications for enzymes. These enzyme specifications are provided by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA, 2006) and the Food Chemicals Codex (Food Chemicals Codex, 2015). 1.4 Reasons for accepting Application The Application was accepted for assessment because: it complied with the procedural requirements under subsection 22(2); and it related to a matter that warranted the variation of a food regulatory measure]. 1.5 Procedure for assessment The Application was assessed under the General Procedure. 1.6 Decision The draft variation as proposed following assessment was approved without change. The variation takes effect on the date of gazettal. The approved draft variation is at Attachment A. The related explanatory statement is at Attachment B. An explanatory statement is required to accompany an instrument if it is lodged on the Federal Register of Legislation. 2 Summary of the findings 2.1 Summary of issues raised in submissions Three submissions were received, two from government and one from an industry peak body. All three supported the proposed variation and two also provided an analysis of their reasoning. No issues were raised.
A1135%20Beta-galactosidase%20as%20a%20PA%20AppR.docx