The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that the food enzyme cellulase, produced from a non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain 294, does not pose safety concerns under revised and extended conditions of use, according to a scientific opinion published on 10 July 2026. The opinion, adopted on 24 June 2026, updates a previous 2023 evaluation that had found insufficient margins of exposure for infants, toddlers, and children, limiting the enzyme's use to adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The new assessment covers eleven food manufacturing processes, adding three new uses: production of plant extracts, plant-based analogues of milk and milk products, and processing of yeast and yeast products. The applicant, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Ltd., also revised use levels for two existing processes—production of juices and fruit/vegetable products—substantially lowering the maximum recommended levels based on updated industrial data. EFSA estimated dietary exposure to the enzyme's total organic solids (TOS) at up to 2.998 mg TOS/kg body weight per day for European populations, yielding a margin of exposure of at least 265 when compared to the no-observed-adverse-effect level of 794 mg TOS/kg bw per day. The Panel noted that the enzyme may remain active in all processes where TOS are not removed, depending on heat treatment conditions. The opinion follows a public consultation from 16 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, which received no comments. The European Commission requested the assessment as part of the authorization procedure under Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, which requires a safety evaluation before a food enzyme can be included in the EU Union list.
The decision impacts food manufacturers using cellulase as a processing aid, particularly in plant-based and yeast-derived products, where the enzyme improves extraction efficiency or reduces viscosity. Consumers benefit from continued access to these products without increased safety risk, while the enzyme producer gains approval for expanded market applications. The revised use levels for juices and fruit products reduce potential exposure for vulnerable groups, though the previous restriction for infants, toddlers, and children remains unchanged.