On 21 May 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion concluding that a food enzyme containing endo-polygalacturonase and pectinesterase activities from the non-genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain GSP-4-404 is safe for its intended use in fruit and vegetable processing. The opinion, issued by EFSA's Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP), found no safety concerns under the proposed conditions of use, paving the way for potential EU market authorisation.
The enzyme is produced by the non-genetically modified microorganism Aspergillus luchuensis strain GSP-4-404. It is intended to be used in fruit and vegetable processing for juice production, fruit mash treatment, and wine making. EFSA evaluated the enzyme based on the submitted data, including toxicological studies and the absence of viable cells in the final product. The panel concluded that the enzyme does not raise safety concerns for consumers when used at the recommended levels.
Stakeholder impacts
The opinion directly affects several stakeholders. For enzyme manufacturers, the positive safety assessment is a prerequisite for EU market approval, potentially opening a new revenue stream. Food and beverage producers using pectinases could benefit from a new processing aid that improves yield and clarity of fruit juices and wines. Consumers are reassured that the enzyme poses no health risk. National food safety authorities in EU member states will use the opinion as a basis for authorisation decisions under the EU's novel food and enzyme regulations.
Trade-offs and regulatory context
EFSA's opinion balances innovation in food processing with consumer safety. The enzyme offers efficiency gains for the fruit processing industry, but its approval may increase reliance on industrial processing aids. The opinion does not address potential environmental impacts of production or labelling requirements for final products. The European Commission will now consider the opinion in its decision on whether to authorise the enzyme for the EU market, a process that typically takes several months.