Pectinase (ICS Code: 67.220.20)

Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to Enable the Use Pectinase from Trichoderma reesei RF6197 and from Trichoderma reesei RF6201 in Single-strength Fruit Juices, Wine, and Unstandardized Fruit and Vegetable Products – Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0109.

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of two food additive submissions seeking approval for the use of two pectinases, polygalacturonase from Trichoderma reesei RF6197 and pectin esterase from Trichoderma reesei RF6201, respectively, in the manufacture of single-strength fruit juices, wine, fruit purées, vegetable purées, and fruit spreads.

Pectinase from other microbial sources is already permitted for use in single-strength fruit juices and wine, and from one of these sources in unstandardized fruit and vegetable products. The Food Directorate determined that information related to the safety of pectinase from Trichoderma reesei RF6197 and from Trichoderma reesei RF6201 supports the use of this food enzyme from these sources in the manufacture of the same foods; therefore, the Department has extended the use of the food additive pectinase described in the information document by updating the List of Permitted Food Enzymes (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/5-enzymes.html), effective 1 February 2018. The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.