Without Animal Enzymes Or Rennet

This refers to food products made without animal-derived enzymes or rennet. Rennet is an enzyme traditionally sourced from the stomach of young ruminant animals, often used in cheesemaking. "Without animal enzymes or rennet" indicates that alternative, non-animal sources like microbial or plant-based enzymes were used in the food's production.

This labeling is most common in products like cheeses, frozen dinners, pizzas, and baked goods where rennet or animal enzymes might traditionally be used. It assures consumers, particularly vegetarians and those seeking to avoid animal products, that the food was produced using plant-based or microbial alternatives.

Enzymes used in food production are generally considered safe and are regulated by the FDA. Many enzymes used as alternatives to animal rennet, such as those derived from fungi or bacteria, are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or approved food additives. These enzymes typically function within the food product during processing and are not present in significant amounts in the final product. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many food enzymes for safety. There are no widespread health controversies associated with the use of these non-animal enzymes at typical consumption levels.