# Fungal Hemicellulase

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/fungal-hemicellulase.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977147-94-6
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Fungal Hemicellulase is an enzyme derived from fungal sources that breaks down hemicellulose, a component of plant cell walls. It is used in food processing to improve texture, extract nutrients, and enhance processing efficiency in various food and beverage applications.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Fungal Hemicellulase?

Fungal Hemicellulase is an enzyme classified under CAS Number 977147-94-6, produced through fermentation of fungal organisms. Hemicellulases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of hemicellulose, a complex polysaccharide found in plant cell walls. The fungal source ensures the enzyme is suitable for food processing applications and can withstand the conditions present during food manufacturing.

Enzymes like hemicellulase work by cleaving specific bonds in plant cell wall structures, effectively degrading hemicellulose into simpler sugars and compounds. This enzymatic action facilitates various food processing objectives without requiring chemical treatments.

## Common Uses

Fungal Hemicellulase is employed across multiple food and beverage sectors. In brewing and juice production, it improves clarity and extraction efficiency by breaking down plant cell wall material. The enzyme is also used in baking to improve dough properties, enhance texture, and increase nutrient bioavailability in bread products.

In animal feed production, hemicellulase enzymes improve feed digestibility and nutritional value. The enzyme may also be utilized in the production of plant-based beverages and in processing of grains and legumes to enhance nutrient extraction and processing efficiency.

## Safety Assessment

Fungal Hemicellulase has not been submitted for FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, meaning it does not have formal FDA approval through the GRAS process. However, the FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, indicating no documented safety incidents in the food supply.

The safety profile of fungal enzymes in general is well-established. These enzymes are typically denatured during food processing and digestion, breaking down into amino acids that pose minimal concern. Fungal-derived enzymes have a long history of use in food manufacturing across various applications.

As with all enzyme additives, potential considerations include allergenic properties in susceptible individuals and occupational exposure concerns during manufacturing. However, residual enzyme levels in finished food products are typically minimal or undetectable.

## Regulatory Status

Fungal Hemicellulase does not currently hold FDA GRAS status, meaning it is not subject to the premarket approval procedures granted to GRAS substances. Despite this classification, the absence of any documented adverse events or recalls suggests the enzyme has not raised safety concerns in regulatory oversight.

Regulatory approaches to enzyme additives vary by country. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains detailed assessments of food enzymes, and similar fungal-derived hemicellulases have been evaluated. Regulatory bodies generally consider the source organism, manufacturing process, and purity specifications when assessing enzyme safety.

Manufacturers using this enzyme in food products are responsible for ensuring it meets applicable food safety standards and labeling requirements in their respective jurisdictions.

## Key Studies

While specific published research on this particular CAS-numbered hemicellulase variant may be limited in public literature, extensive research exists on fungal hemicellulases generally. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these enzymes in improving digestibility of plant materials and their safety profile when used at appropriate levels in food processing.

Research on fungal enzyme safety has consistently shown that properly produced and purified fungal enzymes present minimal toxicological concern. The primary regulatory focus for enzyme additives remains manufacturing standards, purity specifications, and residual enzyme levels in finished products.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Fungal Hemicellulase — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/fungal-hemicellulase. Accessed 2026-05-19.