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CleaningCaution

Amylase

أميليز

Detergent enzyme

The verdict

A biological starch-stain remover; safe in finished products (the dust hazard is occupational).

What it is

A starch-digesting enzyme (amylase) added to laundry and dishwasher detergents to break down food and starch stains.

WTF fact

One of the biological stain-fighters in modern detergents — it chops starchy stains (pasta, gravy, potato) into pieces water can rinse away, letting products clean at lower temperatures. The one real hazard is occupational: as a raw powder the dust can sensitise the lungs, which is exactly why manufacturers encapsulate enzymes into dust-free granules. In the finished box, it's a non-issue for normal use.

Evidence & status

IARC carcinogen group

not_classified

EU status

CLP-classified (H334 (respiratory sensitiser)); signal word Danger.

US · FDA status

EPA/FDA-reviewed where applicable

Halal status: halal

Microbial fermentation-derived (Bacillus/Aspergillus); vegan; no halal concern.

Also known as

alpha-amylase · α-amylase · EC 3.2.1.1

Primary source

Amylase (Amylase, α-, CAS 9000-90-2, InfoCard 100.029.592) — CLP Resp. Sens. 1 (H334); signal word Danger. Reg (EC) 1272/2008.

Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.

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