E1101: Protease

What is E1101?

E1101 covers proteases, enzymes that break proteins down into smaller pieces. The code includes plant enzymes such as papain from papaya, bromelain from pineapple and ficin from figs, as well as microbial proteases.

Origin and production

Plant proteases are extracted from the latex or tissues of papaya, pineapple or figs, while many commercial proteases are produced by fermentation using bacteria or fungi.

Why is it used?

Proteases are used to modify proteins: to tenderise meat, soften dough and reduce gluten strength in crackers and biscuits, and to produce protein hydrolysates for easier digestion. They also appear in protein powders, shakes and dietary supplements, sometimes marketed as digestive aids.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Proteases from plants or microbial fermentation are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Because enzymes can also be animal-derived, those requiring certainty, or halal or kosher assurance, may look for certification.

Safety and regulation

In the European Union, most food enzymes are now regulated under a dedicated food enzyme framework with EFSA safety assessments, rather than as standard additives. Proteases are widely used in food processing; people with papaya, pineapple or latex allergies may react to the plant enzymes.

Common in