Food enzymes provide added value to egg processors. These processing aids enhance the emulsifying properties of yolk derived products, and help manufacturers to improve the quality of the end product and to create new, innovative products. The use of MAXAPAL® A2 treated whole egg in a premix is such an example.

Only France and Denmark request regulatory approval of food enzymes used as processing aids. With the recent Danish approval, DSM has now full authorisation in both countries to sell MAXAPAL® A2, a liquid, purified phospholipase A2 enzyme, for the egg processing industry. In 2008 the EU adopted the Food Improvement Agents Package (FIAP), a package of legislative reforms to align the regulatory framework for food enzymes, flavours and additives. FIAP officially came into force on January 20, 2009 and is expected to harmonize the legislation of food enzymes. It is believed that the EU-wide harmonized legislation will remove disparities among member states and improve free movement within the community market.

Unified approach
The FIAP legislation will also create a simplified common approval procedure for food enzymes, additives and flavourings, based on the scientific opion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Only authorised food enzymes will be allowed for food use in the EU countries, both when applied as processing aid and as ingredient. As a consequence, all food enzymes currently present on the EU market, plus any future innovations, must undergo a risk evaluation before being added to the official list of authorised food enzymes. This new, unified approach has been welcomed by the food industry.

This new regulation will undoubtedly remove disparities between member states and provide extra assurance for user safety. DSM is establishing tight systems, in line with its global Quality for Life® commitment, ensuring that submission of EFSA dossiers is as rapid and efficient as possible. With the approval of MAXAPAL® A2 in both France and Denmark, DSM is optimistic about the new, harmonised approval procedure.

Approved in >50 countries
MAXAPAL® A2 is now approved in more than 50 countries around the world for use in egg and egg products as processing aid. Quite a few companies follow the JECFA or US authorities for approval, however many countries have their own sets of criteria. Therefore DSM Regulatory Affairs representatives always work closely together with local authorities and provide answers to many questions. We are still actively pursuing final approval in a number of countries and are proud that MAXAPAL® A2 has satisfied the criteria of local authorities around the globe.