The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nzk118 does not pose safety concerns under its intended use in distilled alcohol production. In a scientific opinion adopted on 17 June 2026 and published on 2 July 2026, EFSA's Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ) evaluated the enzyme, which is produced by Genencor International B.V. The enzyme is intended for use in processing cereals and other grains to produce distilled alcohol. Because residual amounts of the enzyme are removed during manufacturing, dietary exposure estimation and toxicity testing were deemed unnecessary. A search for amino acid sequence homology to known allergens found no matches, and the panel concluded that the risk of allergic reactions can be excluded for this specific use.
The opinion follows an application submitted on 4 December 2024 by Genencor International B.V. seeking authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 1332/2008 on food enzymes. EFSA carried out a public consultation from 17 October to 7 November 2025, which received no comments. Additional information requested from the applicant on 18 December 2025 was provided on 27 April 2026. The panel assessed the genetic modifications, production process, and characteristics of the enzyme, confirming that the production strain is free from viable cells and its DNA, and that no issues of concern arise from the genetic modifications. The enzyme is produced via submerged fermentation, with solid biomass removed by filtration and the enzyme purified and concentrated, including an ultrafiltration step. The food enzyme complies with purity specifications for lead and microbiological criteria set by FAO/WHO. The opinion will inform the European Commission's decision on whether to include the enzyme in the EU Community list of authorised food enzymes.