Experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that thrombin poses no safety concerns to human beings, said a press release of the EFSA, the European Union's (EU) food regulatory body on Thursday.
The enzyme thrombin is derived from the blood plasma of pigs or cattle. It is used in food processing together with fibrinogen, a protein also obtained from the blood of these animals, to bind pieces of meat or fish.
As it derives from parts of the animals that are intended for human consumption, and provided that it is produced under hygienic conditions in accordance with EU rules, the experts concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavorings and processing aids was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the food enzyme thrombin, said the EFSA.
