Cities and climate change: Strategic options for philanthropic support

Now, more than ever, cities are at the front lines of U.S. climate action. As national action stalls, there is still a daunting amount to be done in reducing human-generated climate emissions. Fortunately, this report comes in the wake of a groundswell of initiatives to engage on climate change by cities, countries, and states across the U.S. Several important and thorough reports on the types of mitigation actions cities can take have recently been released. We already have examples of cities taking significant leadership roles in reducing their own climate emissions, from New York and Boston to Austin, Boulder, and Los Angeles - yet U.S. climate emissions continue to rise, and cities have an outsized role to play. The purpose of this project is to review current U.S. city climate activities in order to identify areas where additional investment by foundations could help accelerate city action to reduce urban greenhouse gas emissions. The focus of the inquiry is on aggressive actions cities can take that significantly increase their “level of ambition” to achieve emissions reductions on an accelerated timetable. City strategies on climate adaptation are not encompassed in this project. [TRUNCATED

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-DB

[EN] The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with a genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-DB by Novozymes A/S. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in an immobilised form in the production of modified fats and oils by interesterification. Based on the estimated use levels recommended for interesterification of fats and oils and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.75 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level at the highest dose of 1,132 mg TOS/kg bw per day, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 1,500. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood of such reactions to occur is likely to be low. Based on the data provided, the immobilisation of the food enzyme and the removal of total organic solids during fats and oils processing, the Panel concluded that the food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2021). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-DB. EFSA Journal. 19(1):1-16. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6366S11619

Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase and carboxypeptidase from porcine pancreas

[EN] The food enzyme is a protease complex, containing trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4), chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1), pancreatic elastase (EC 3.4.21.36) and carboxypeptidase B (EC 3.4.17.2), obtained from porcine pancreas by Neova Technologies Inc. The food enzyme is intended to be used for hydrolysis of whey proteins employed as ingredients of infant formulae, follow-on formulae and in food for special medical purposes (tube feeding). Based on maximum use levels and the maximum permitted protein content in infant formula, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be 36 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day for infants. The Panel estimates that this value covers all population groups. In the toxicological evaluation, clinical studies with pharmaceutical preparations containing pancreatic enzymes were considered. Hypersensitivity to the pharmaceuticals was identified as the major side effect. However, the intact enzymes are removed during preparation of food products; therefore, the Panel considers that the likelihood of adverse effects of the intact enzyme to occur is small. Low molecular weight peptides derived from the enzyme are still likely to be present in the protein hydrolysate. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic sensitisation to these peptides after consumption of products prepared by hydrolysis of milk, cannot be excluded in infants, but the likelihood to occur is considered to be low. Based on the origin of the food enzyme from edible parts of animals, the data provided by the applicant, supported by the evaluation of clinical studies with pharmaceutical preparations based on pancreatic enzymes, the Panel concluded that the porcine pancreatic enzymes do not give rise to safety concern under the intended conditions of use. (c) 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2021). Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase and carboxypeptidase from porcine pancreas. EFSA Journal. 19(1):1-15. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6368S11519

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM32805

[EN] The food enzyme chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain by Chr. Hansen. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production and for the production of fermented milk products. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.09 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level at the highest dose of 1,000 mg TOS/kg bw per day the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 10,600. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and two matches with respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2022). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM32805. EFSA Journal. 20(8):1-16. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.746611620

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme β-amylase from Bacillus flexus strain AE-BAF

[EN] The food enzyme ß-amylase (4-¿-d-glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) is produced with the non-genetically modified Bacillus flexus strain AE-BAF by Amano Enzyme Inc. The production strain has been shown to qualify for Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking and brewing processes, and in starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, dietary exposure was not calculated for this food process. Based on the maximum use levels recommended by the applicant for the baking and brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 2 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Toxicological studies were not considered necessary given the QPS status of the production strain and the nature of the manufacturing process. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, in particular, the QPS status of the production strain and that no issues of concern arose from the production process, the Panel concluded that the food enzyme ß-amylase produced with B. flexus strain AE-BAF does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2021). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme β-amylase from Bacillus flexus strain AE-BAF. EFSA Journal. 19(6):1-15. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.663511519

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29544

[EN] The food enzyme chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29544 by Chr. Hansen. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production and for production of fermented milk products. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.09 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 84.1 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure above 930. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and two matches with respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2022). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29544. EFSA Journal. 20(8):1-16. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.746411620

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme maltogenic alpha-amylase from the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LALL-MA

[EN] The food enzyme maltogenic alpha-amylase (4-alpha-D-glucan a-maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LALL-MA by Lallemand Baking Solutions. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes. Based on the maximum use level recommended for the baking processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.059 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight per day in European populations. As the production strain of S. cerevisiae meets the requirements for a Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach, no toxicological data are required. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and six matches were found. The Panel considered that under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use. (C) 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2021). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme maltogenic alpha-amylase from the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LALL-MA. EFSA Journal. 19(2):1-14. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6434S11419

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29546

[EN] The food enzyme chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29546 by Chr. Hansen. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production and for the production of fermented milk products. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.52 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 410 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 790. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and four matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure, although unlikely, cannot be excluded, particularly for individuals sensitised to cedar pollen allergens. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2022). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme chymosin from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DSM 29546. EFSA Journal. 20(8):1-17. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.746511720

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme alpha-glucosidase from the Aspergillus niger strain AE-TGU

[EN] The food enzyme alpha-glucosidase (alpha-D-glucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.20) is produced with the non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain AE-TGU by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes, cereal-based processes, brewing processes and starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups, dietary exposure was only calculated for the remaining three food processes. Based on the maximum use levels recommended, dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.64 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1,062 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 1,650. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.The CEP Panel wishes to thank Simone Lunardi for the support provided to this scientific output.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2022). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme alpha-glucosidase from the Aspergillus niger strain AE-TGU. EFSA Journal. 20(4):1-15. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.724011520

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FLYSC

[EN] The food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase ((1 -> 4)-alpha-d-galacturonan glycanohydrolase; EC 2.3.1.15), is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FLYSC by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in fruit and vegetable processing for juice production. Based on the maximum use level, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.138 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 800 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 5,800. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and six matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded for individuals sensitised to cedar or grass pollen or maize. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.The Panel wishes to thank Simone Lunardi for the support provided to this scientific output.Silano, V.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Bolognesi, C.; Cocconcelli, PS.; Crebelli, R.; Gott, DM.; Grob, K.... (2022). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FLYSC. EFSA Journal. 20(4):1-15. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.723611520