ABCL Submission to FSANZ: A1318 Steviol glycosides produced by enzymatic conversion using enzymes produced by GM Escherichia coli BL21
The ABCL has made a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in response to Application A1318. This application seeks approval for the use of three new enzymes – produced using genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21 – as processing aids for the enzymatic conversion of rebaudioside A to rebaudioside M, a high-quality steviol glycoside.
The ABCL supports the draft variation to the Food Standards Code and FSANZ’s risk assessment, which confirms the safety and technological justification for the use of these enzymes. We also recommended a minor correction to the enzyme nomenclature in the draft documentation.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce sugar content while maintaining taste, access to advanced sweeteners such as rebaudioside M is vital. This supports the development of no- and low-sugar beverages that continue to meet consumer expectations.
To view the ABCL’s full submission, please click the link below.