Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet containing chymosin and pepsin A from calf abomasum.

The food enzyme containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin A (EC 3.4.23.1) is prepared from the abomasum of calves by RENCO New Zealand. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme or from its manufacture and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data were not required, and the estimation of dietary exposure was unnecessary. On the basis of literature data, the Panel considered that the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure could not be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur was considered to be low. The Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.