Transglutaminase
Microbial transglutaminase is an FDA-GRAS enzyme processing aid. EFSA reviewed safety and considered it acceptable as a processing aid.
What it is
Enzyme (EC 2.3.2.13) that crosslinks proteins by forming covalent bonds between glutamine and lysine residues.
Texture/binding agent for restructured meat, fish, and dairy products ('meat glue').
Why it's flagged
- Restructured meats must be thoroughly cooked to reduce microbial contamination risk
What regulators actually say
"GRAS Notice 000004 - Microbial transglutaminase enzyme preparation - FDA had no questions on the GRAS status."
"Lerner A, Matthias T. 'Possible association between celiac disease and bacterial transglutaminase in food processing: a hypothesis.' Nutrition Reviews 2015."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS Notice GRN 000004 (microbial transglutaminase from Streptoverticillium mobaraense) - FDA had no questions.
European Union — EFSA
Reviewed by EFSA; classified as processing aid in some uses, additive evaluation ongoing.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app