Learn Glossary enzyme

Ficin

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Ficin is a enzyme — Meat tenderizer from tropical tree latex

What it does

Meat tenderizer from tropical tree latex

Where you'll see it

Meat tenderizer, milk clotting, brewing, beer chill-proofing, cheese, sausage casing removal

What the research says

Can cause irritation to skin, eyes, mucous membranes; in large doses can cause purging.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • Notes: Also ASP

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and in large doses can cause purging