{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2013-503/annex-II/division-II/division-1/division-1.4/division-1.4.1",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2013-503/annex-II/division-II/division-1/division-1.4/division-1.4.1.json",
  "legislation": "eur/2013/503",
  "legislation_title": "Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013 of 3 April 2013 on applications for authorisation of genetically modified food and feed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulations (EC) No 641/2004 and (EC) No 1981/2006 (Text with EEA relevance)",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2013-503",
  "path": "annex/II/division/II/division/1/division/1.4/division/1.4.1",
  "kind": "division",
  "number": "1.4.1",
  "heading": "Testing of newly expressed proteins",
  "text": "The applicant shall provide an evaluation of all newly expressed proteins. The studies required to investigate the potential toxicity of a newly expressed protein shall be selected on a case-by-case basis, depending on the knowledge available with respect to the protein’s source, function or activity and history of human or animal consumption. As regards proteins expressed in the genetically modified plant, in the case where the history of safe use for consumption as food and/or feed of both the plant and the newly expressed proteins is duly documented, specific toxicity testing as provided for in this Section shall not be required. In such case, the applicant shall provide the necessary information regarding the history of safe use of the proteins.\nWhere specific testing is required, the tested protein shall be equivalent to the newly expressed protein as it is expressed in the genetically modified plant. If, due to the lack of sufficient amount of test materials from the plant, a protein produced by micro-organisms is used, the structural, biochemical and functional equivalence of this microbial substitute to the newly expressed plant protein shall be demonstrated. In particular, comparisons of the molecular weight, amino acid sequence, post-translational modification, immunological reactivity and, in the case of enzymes, the enzymatic activity are needed to provide evidence for the equivalence. In case of differences between the plant expressed protein and its microbial substitute, the significance of these differences for the safety studies shall be evaluated.\nTo demonstrate the safety of newly expressed proteins, the applicant shall provide:\n(a)A molecular and biochemical characterisation of the newly expressed protein, including determination of the primary structure, molecular weight (for example using mass spectrometry), studies on post-translational modifications and a description of its function. In the case of newly expressed enzymes, information on the enzyme activities including the temperature and pH range for optimum activity, substrate specificity, and possible reaction products shall also be provided. The potential interaction with other plant constituents shall also be evaluated.\n(b)An up-to-date search for homology to proteins known to cause adverse effects, such as toxic proteins. A search for homology to proteins exerting a normal metabolic or structural function may also contribute valuable information. The database(s) and the methodology used to carry out the search shall be specified.\n(c)A description of the stability of the protein under relevant processing and storage conditions and the expected treatment of the food and feed. The influences of temperature and pH changes shall be examined and potential modification(s) of the proteins (such as denaturation) and/or production of stable protein fragments generated through such treatments shall be characterised.\n(d)Data concerning the resistance of the newly expressed protein to proteolytic enzymes (such as pepsin), such as by in vitro investigations using appropriate and standardised tests. Stable breakdown products shall be characterised and evaluated with regard to the potential to cause adverse health effects linked to their biological activity.\n(e)A repeated-dose 28-day oral toxicity study with the newly expressed protein in rodents. When appropriate depending on the outcome of the 28-day toxicity study, further targeted investigations shall be provided, including an analysis of immunotoxicity.\nAcute toxicity testing of the newly expressed proteins of genetically modified plants is of little additional value for the risk assessment of the repeated human and animal consumption of genetically modified food and feed and shall not be provided as part of the studies performed under this point.\nThe applicant shall perform studies with combined administration of proteins when the genetic modification results in the expression of two or more proteins in the genetically modified plant and when, based on scientific knowledge, a possibility of synergistic or antagonistic interactions of safety concerns is identified.",
  "extent": "E+W+S+N.I.",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2013/503/annex/II/division/II/division/1/division/1.4/division/1.4.1",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-11-01T14:48:39.117159+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}