FICIN
Prepared at the 25th JECFA (1981), published in FNP 19 (1981) and in FNP 52 (1992). No ADI was allocated at the 15th JECFA (1971) SYNONYMS INS No.1101(iv)
SOURCES Derived from the latex of Ficus sp., which include a variety of tropical fig trees.
Active principles Ficin (cystein proteinase)
Systematic names and numbers
None (EC 3.4.22.3)
Reactions catalyzed Hydrolyzes polypeptides, amides and esters, especially at linkages involving basic amino acids, or leucine or glycine, yielding peptides of lower molecular weight. Wide specificity on protein substrates.
DESCRIPTION White to off-white powder; soluble in water (liquid fig latex concentrates are light brown to dark brown in colour).
FUNCTIONAL USES Enzyme preparation
Used in the preparation of and/or use in meat, beverages and bakery
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Must conform to the General Specifications for Enzyme Preparations
used in Food Processing (see Volume Introduction)
