Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme cellulase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐852

The food enzyme cellulase (4‐(1,3;1,4)‐β‐d‐glucan 4‐glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.4) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain AR‐852 by AB Enzymes GmbH. The safety of this food enzyme was evaluated previously, and it did not give rise to safety concerns when used in five food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include one additional process and to revise the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of six food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) are removed in one process, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated for the remaining five food manufacturing processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.494 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) previously reported (1000 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 2024. Based on the revised margin of exposure and the previous evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.