EUROPE – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has unveiled an innovative online tool designed to assist both the food industry and consumers in estimating dietary exposure to food enzymes.
The Food Enzyme Intake Model (FEIM), launched as part of EFSA’s ongoing efforts to enhance food safety and transparency, is now accessible online, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding the use of food enzymes in various manufacturing processes.
Food enzymes play a crucial role in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and processed foods. These enzymes facilitate various biochemical reactions, improving product quality, consistency, and shelf life.
However, as the use of food enzymes has increased, so too have concerns about their potential impact on health. The FEIM tool addresses these concerns by providing accurate exposure estimates, thereby contributing to a better understanding of enzyme safety.
The development of the FEIM web tool represents a collaborative effort that began in 2016. This initiative brought together extensive data on the use of food enzymes across different manufacturing sectors, coupled with information regarding the dietary exposure of various population groups to these enzymes.
By integrating this data, EFSA aims to provide a valuable tool that addresses both industry needs and consumer concerns related to food enzyme safety.
Key features of the FEIM web tool
Launched during the inaugural plenary meeting of EFSA’s new Food Enzymes (FEZ) Panel, the FEIM tool offers users a range of capabilities for estimating enzyme intake.
Specifically, it allows users to estimate intake for specific enzymes. Users can obtain detailed intake estimates for individual food enzymes used in specific manufacturing processes. This feature enables precise assessment of enzyme exposure based on specific dietary habits and manufacturing techniques.
The tool also facilitates the calculation of cumulative exposure to multiple enzymes used across various manufacturing processes. This function is particularly beneficial for understanding the overall dietary intake of enzymes from different food sources.
Food enzyme manufacturers can utilize the FEIM tool to compile accurate exposure data for application dossiers. By providing detailed insights into enzyme exposure, the tool aids manufacturers in meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Beyond its utility for manufacturers, the FEIM tool empowers consumers by offering transparency into their dietary exposure to food enzymes. Consumers can access information about enzyme use in their diets, promoting informed decision-making regarding food choices.
The FEIM web tool is freely accessible to all interested parties through the R4EU platform, following a simple registration process.
By making this resource available to both industry stakeholders and the general public, EFSA stresses its commitment to promoting transparency and safety in the food sector. The tool’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive data make it a valuable asset for understanding the role of food enzymes in modern diets.
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