Food Safety

EU EFSA Records Intake of Application to Authorise Glucose Oxidase From GM Aspergillus niger (CCTCC M 20231355) as New Food Enzyme

EFSA has registered intake of an EU application to authorise glucose oxidase produced by a genetically modified *Aspergillus niger* strain CCTCC M 20231355 as a new food enzyme under Regulation (EC) No 1332/2008, with the dossier received and placed under suitability check in early April 2026. For food enzyme manufacturers and food producers using glucose oxidase, this marks the start of EU risk assessment for a new strain‑specific source, signalling potential future authorisation that could expand sourcing options while setting specific conditions of use and labelling requirements.

10 Apr 2026, 16:10open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Opens Public Consultation on Mandipropamid MRLs in Onion, Garlic and Shallots

EFSA has launched a short public consultation (8–29 April 2026) on an application to set new EU maximum residue levels for the fungicide mandipropamid in onion, garlic and shallots. Companies placing these crops or mandipropamid products on the EU market should review the dossier and consider submitting scientific data or comments now, as this assessment will inform future residue limits and market-access conditions.

10 Apr 2026, 15:51connect.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU EFSA Opens Public Consultation on NZYM-FS Cellulase Food Enzyme

EFSA has opened a short public consultation on an application to authorise cellulase (CAS 9012-54-8) from a genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain NZYM-FS as a new food enzyme under the EU Food Enzymes Regulation, while its risk assessment remains ongoing and subject to an EFSA deadline of 4 December 2026. For enzyme manufacturers and food producers this signals continued progress but no authorisation yet; key dates to monitor are the consultation window to 29 April 2026, the current clock-stop end expected on 26 June 2026, and the overall EFSA assessment deadline later in 2026.

10 Apr 2026, 15:51open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Consultation on L-Aspartic Acid, N-Benzoyl-, Sodium Salt (1:2) for Plastic Food-Contact Uses

EFSA has launched a March–April 2026 public consultation on a validated application to authorise L-Aspartic acid, N-benzoyl-, sodium salt (1:2) (CAS 2092399-70-5) as a new substance for use in plastic food-contact materials. Food, packaging, and chemical companies should review the dossier and consider commenting, as the outcome will shape whether this substance is added to the EU food-contact framework and under what conditions it may be used.

10 Apr 2026, 15:47open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Italy: Puglia Adopts 2026–2027 Regional Control Plan for Food, Feed, Animal Health and Pesticides

Puglia has extended its official control plan for food, feed, animal health and pesticide use to cover 2026–2027, aligning regional programmes with the EU Official Controls Regulation (Reg (EU) 2017/625) and Italy’s D.Lgs 27/2021.[^1^](https://burp.regione.puglia.it/documents/20135/2757339/DEL_210_2026.pdf/35a74916-bebe-7617-49d2-96a1efc64049?version=1.0&t=1775574271739) Regional health authorities and local ASLs must now update local control plans by June 2026 and prepare extra food‑ and water‑safety inspections for the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, tightening oversight and compliance expectations across the regional agri‑food and plant‑protection supply chain.[^1^](https://burp.regione.puglia.it/documents/20135/2757339/DEL_210_2026.pdf/35a74916-bebe-7617-49d2-96a1efc64049?version=1.0&t=1775574271739)

10 Apr 2026, 13:29burp.regione.puglia.itIT_75ItalyEuropean Union

EFSA Registers Intake of Application to Modify Beetroot Red (Betanin, E 162) Food Additive From GM Saccharomyces cerevisiae

EFSA has opened an intake (question EFSA-Q-2026-00001) for an application under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 to modify the authorised food colour Beetroot Red (betanin, E 162) when produced using a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Food and ingredient businesses using this colourant in EU products should monitor the forthcoming risk assessment, as any later changes to EU specifications or conditions of use could trigger reformulation, labelling updates, and supplier requalification.

10 Apr 2026, 13:19open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Intake: Acetamiprid MRL Application for Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper)

EFSA has opened an intake dossier to evaluate a potential change to EU maximum residue levels for the insecticide acetamiprid in Capsicum annuum (bell pepper), following an application received on 07 April 2026.[^1^](https://open.efsa.europa.eu/questions/EFSA-Q-2026-00202#:~:text=EFSA%2DQ%2D2026%2D00202%20%7C%20Status%3A%20Intake) For companies using acetamiprid on bell peppers in the EU, this is an **early warning** that MRL requirements may change once EFSA completes its assessment and any subsequent Commission measure is adopted.

10 Apr 2026, 13:13open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Registers Flupyradifurone MRL Application for Strawberries, Kaki, Tomatoes and Other Crops

EFSA has registered and validated application EFSA‑Q‑2025‑00704 under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning flupyradifurone MRLs in strawberries, kaki, tomatoes, globe artichokes and designated IT crops (cane fruits, tea and hops) in the EU. This early "Intake" step signals an upcoming EU review of residue limits for flupyradifurone in these supply chains, so agrochemical and food businesses using or sourcing these crops should monitor subsequent EFSA opinions and MRL amendments that could affect market access and compliance planning.

10 Apr 2026, 13:00open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU EFSA Registers Application for L-Tryptophan Feed Additive Produced With Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80530

EFSA has logged an Article 4 application for L-tryptophan produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80530 as a new nutritional feed additive for all animal species under the EU feed additives framework (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003). If EFSA’s risk assessment is positive and the Commission subsequently authorises the additive, feed and premix manufacturers will have another strain-specific L-tryptophan source to consider, but no new compliance duties arise until that later authorisation step.

10 Apr 2026, 13:00open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Confirms Safety of Extended Uses of Food Enzyme from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AR-383

EFSA’s Panel on Food Enzymes has confirmed that extending the uses of a bacillolysin/subtilisin food enzyme from non-genetically modified **Bacillus amyloliquefaciens** strain AR-383 across 12 food manufacturing processes remains safe for EU consumers, even at conservative exposure estimates up to 7.469 mg TOS/kg body weight per day. For manufacturers of dairy, meat, plant-based and soy sauce products, this opinion will guide future Commission decisions on amending the EU food enzyme Union list under Regulations 1332/2008 and 1331/2008, signalling that wider use of this processing aid does not introduce new EFSA-driven safety constraints but should still be monitored as authorisation conditions are finalised.

10 Apr 2026, 11:01efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

EFSA Updates Safety Opinion on Extended Uses of Triacylglycerol Lipase From GM Aspergillus oryzae (Strain NZYM‑AL)

EFSA’s Panel on Food Enzymes has updated its safety evaluation of triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3; CAS 9001‑62‑1) from genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain NZYM‑AL, covering an extension from four to ten food manufacturing processes and confirming an adequate margin of exposure (≥528) at a maximum estimated dietary exposure of 0.093 mg TOS/kg bw/day. For food enzyme suppliers and EU food manufacturers in dairy, cereals, plant‑based products and fats/oils, this opinion supports forthcoming Commission decisions to broaden authorised uses of this enzyme without introducing new safety‑driven restrictions, signalling likely continuity of risk expectations but potential expansion of permitted applications.

10 Apr 2026, 11:01efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

EFSA FEEDAP Confirms Efficacy of Benesacc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R618) for Poultry Feed Use

EFSA’s FEEDAP Panel has now confirmed, based on new efficacy data, that the feed additive Benesacc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R618) is efficacious for chickens and other poultry for fattening or reared for laying when used at 4×10^9 CFU/kg complete feed. This scientific opinion strengthens the case for EU authorisation under the Feed Additives Regulation and signals likely future conditions of use, but it does not yet create new legal obligations until a separate Commission authorisation measure is adopted.

10 Apr 2026, 11:01efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

California Assembly Further Amends AB 1603 on PFAS Pesticides

In April 2026, the California Assembly further amended AB 1603, keeping a phased ban on PFAS-containing pesticides by 2030/2035 but reworking the 2028 step into a PFAS-restricted-material regime with permit-based warnings instead of on-pack label changes. Pesticide manufacturers and growers still face a structural shift away from PFAS actives and cofomulants in California, but can adjust near-term compliance plans to focus on restricted-use permitting, disclosure, and reformulation timelines rather than an imminent 2028 labelling overhaul.

10 Apr 2026, 10:59leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

Japan FSCJ Seeks Comments on Draft Food Health Impact Assessment for L-Histidine Hydrochloride Feed Additive

Japan’s Food Safety Commission has released a draft scientific opinion on an L‑histidine hydrochloride feed additive produced from feather/wool protein hydrolysates and is consulting on the findings until 30 April 2026.[^1^][^2^] If finalised, the opinion will underpin MAFF standards enabling this new production route for L‑histidine feed additives, so feed and amino-acid manufacturers should ensure their specifications and quality controls align and consider submitting input during the consultation.[^1^][^2^] [^1^](https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/servlet/Public?CLASSNAME=PCMMSTDETAIL&id=095260200&Mode=0#:~:text=受付締切日時) [^2^](https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/pcm/download?seqNo=0000311887)

10 Apr 2026, 10:34public-comment.e-gov.go.jpJapan

EFSA Opens Public Consultation on Draft Opinion on Semicarbazide in Food

In April 2026, EFSA opened an EU‑level public consultation on its draft scientific opinion assessing human‑health risks from semicarbazide (SEM) in food under Question EFSA‑Q‑2024‑00581. The consultation will inform EFSA’s final opinion under General Food Law and could influence future EU risk‑management measures on semicarbazide contamination, so food and beverage stakeholders should review the draft and decide whether to submit comments by 18 May 2026.

10 Apr 2026, 10:27connect.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Sweden: Livsmedelsverket Consults On Updated Guidance for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)

Livsmedelsverket has launched a consultation, closing on 30 April 2026, on substantially revised Kontrollwiki guidance for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) in Sweden, covering legal basis, classification rules, composition, labelling and notification requirements. For FSMP manufacturers and importers, these clarifications could shift how products are classified and assessed in official control, so portfolios and documentation should be checked against the proposed text and feedback provided where interpretations or examples would materially affect market strategy or compliance risk.

10 Apr 2026, 10:18livsmedelsverket.seSweden

EFSA Confirms Efficacy of Miya-Gold Feed Additive for Poultry at Reduced Dose

EFSA’s FEEDAP Panel has confirmed, based on three new broiler trials, that the probiotic feed additive **Miya‑Gold (Clostridium butyricum FERM BP‑2789)** remains efficacious for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and minor poultry species (excluding laying birds) at **1.25×10^8 CFU/kg**, half the currently authorised minimum dose. This strengthens the scientific basis for any future EU decision to lower the legally required inclusion rate under the feed‑additives framework, potentially reducing additive costs for poultry producers while leaving existing authorisation conditions unchanged for now.

10 Apr 2026, 10:18efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Denmark Consults on EU Draft to Add Certain Hydroxyanthracene-Containing Botanicals to Fortification Regulation Annex III Part A

The EU is proposing to move several hydroxyanthracene-containing botanicals to the prohibited list of the Fortification Regulation, with a ban expected following the April 2026 consultation. This shift from scrutiny to a total ban requires food and supplement manufacturers to urgently reformulate products to mitigate compliance risks and maintain market access.

9 Apr 2026, 17:57hoeringsportalen.dkEuropean UnionDenmark

Japan Cabinet Office Notice No. 33 Amends Standards and Specifications for Foods and Food Additives

Japan has updated its mandatory standards for foods and food additives through Cabinet Office Notice No. 33, effective April 7, 2026. Companies must immediately audit product formulations and specifications against the new requirements to maintain compliance and mitigate market access risks.

9 Apr 2026, 17:37kanpo.go.jpJapan

EFSA Evaluates Safety of Glucan 1,4‑α‑Glucosidase From GM Trichoderma reesei DP‑Nzh109

EFSA has confirmed the safety of glucan 1,4-α-glucosidase from GM Trichoderma reesei for starch and distilled alcohol production. This positive assessment paves the way for formal EU authorization, reducing compliance risk for food and beverage manufacturers utilizing this enzyme.

9 Apr 2026, 17:36efsa.europa.euEuropean Union