Pectinase from Aspergillus niger (ICS Code: 67.220.20)

Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Food Enzymes to Enable the Use of Pectinase from Aspergillus niger in Unstandardized Fruit and Vegetable Products - Reference Number: NOM/ADM-0157. Language(s): English and French. Number of pages: 4

Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking approval for the use of pectinase from Aspergillus niger in unstandardized fruit and vegetable products.

Pectinase from A. niger is already permitted for use in Canada as a food enzyme in several foods, including certain unstandardized fruit and vegetable products at a level consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice. Pectinase from sources other than A. niger is also permitted for such use in all unstandardized fruit and vegetable products but pectinase from A. niger is not permitted more broadly in this same manner.

The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of pectinase from A. niger for its requested use. Consequently, Health Canada has enabled the use of pectinase described in the information document by modifying the List of Permitted Food Enzymes, effective 5 January 2021. 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.