Rhizopus Culture
Rhizopus oligosporus is a long-established food fermentation organism with a history of safe use in tempeh manufacture and is recognized in microbial culture inventories used in foods.
What it is
Rhizopus culture is a fungal starter culture (commonly Rhizopus oligosporus or R. oryzae) used for fermenting tempeh and other traditional fermented foods.
Fermentation starter; transforms substrate into a fermented product (e.g., binds soybeans into tempeh cake).
Why it's flagged
- rare opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals from related Rhizopus species
What regulators actually say
"EFSA's QPS list provides a generic safety assessment for microorganisms intentionally added to food and feed, including selected fungi."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Microbial cultures used in traditional foods are recognized for their intended use; tempeh is a standard food.
European Union — EFSA
Listed among microorganisms with QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) status when applicable.
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