Consumer safety
Industrial enzymes are normally used as processing aids and are generally not present as active ingredient in consumer products. However in certain products like detergent products enzymes can be present as active ingredients. Within the pharmaceutical industry there are a limited number of enzymes used therapeutically, however these are not in the scope of AMFEP.
Enzyme respiratory sensitization is not associated with consumer products, and enzymes have for instance a long history of safe use within detergent products [1].
Nevertheless, it is important that an adequate risk assessment is made whenever a new enzyme containing consumer product is developed.
The Soap and Detergent Association, SDA, (American Cleaning Institute, ACI, as of 2010) in collaboration with the enzyme manufacturers has developed a document on “Risk assessment guidance for enzyme-containing products” (SDA, 2005). Of course, this document focuses on how to make risk assessments on enzyme containing consumer products within the laundry and cleaning industry. However, the principles described in this document are generally applicable to all industries, and Amfep strongly encourages that the appropriate risk assessment process is conducted prior to the introduction of enzymes in consumer products.
Enzymes in consumer products do not lead to skin problems upon normal use. Enzymes do not act as skin sensitisers, and are not classified as skin sensitisers as explained in the AMFEP Position Paper “Skin sensitisation classification: Not appliable for industrial enzymes”
If enzymes are to be used in personal care or cosmetics applications special attention in regards to risk assessment is needed. The enzyme manufacturers (AMFEP together with the Enzyme Technical Association in the USA), published a guideline “AMFEP and ETA Guideline on Consumer Risk Assessments for Enzyme-Containing Personal Care Products and Cosmetics” to help manufacturers perform a specific risk assessment for this enzyme use.
Special attention should also be given to the risk assessment of enzyme containing consumer products that are applied via pump sprays. A protocol for the risk assessment of such products is made available by AISE.
If enzymes are included in products for cleaning of medical devices the users should be instructed not to create aerosols for instance by open process ultrasonic cleaning. If ultrasonic cleaning is applied the equipment must be closed and kept closed for at least 5 minutes after cessation of the ultrasonic treatment, allowing aerosols to settle before opening the equipment.
Enzymes from plant or animal sources are naturally present in fresh food and are consumed every day. Similar enzymes derived from both fungal and bacterial sources have a long history of safe use in the food industry. As stated in a review by the US Food and Drug Administration FDA (Olempska-Beer et al, 2006) [3]. Enzymes are degraded and metabolized after ingestion like other dietary proteins, and enzymes naturally present in the human diet have not been associated with toxicity and are considered intrinsically safe. Ingestion of food enzymes in general is also not a concern with regard to food allergy (Bindslev-Jensen et al., 2006) [4].
Enzyme suppliers can advise or provide more detailed information and support related to the specific enzyme preparation and consumer use situation.
Personal care products
Medical Device Cleaning
Human and Environmental Risk Assessment
- A voluntary industry programme to carry out Human and Environmental Risk Assessments on ingredients of household cleaning products: http://www.heraproject.com
