Chapter 5: Enzymes
Mannanase
No badge
The worst fact: Australia classes it as "May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled" (the EU has no classification for it). No cases in people were found.
Why brands use it: it breaks down locust-bean gum (E410) and guar gum (E412), thickeners from ice cream, sauces, dressings and cosmetics that act like glue for dirt.
Take care if: you have asthma or allergies.
Comes from: fermentation by bacteria or fungi; makers don't name the production strain on their product pages.
Myth check: nil.
Contaminants: nil.
Fair to say: like other detergent enzymes, it's a protein; the detergent industry says its enzymes are readily biodegradable, though we found no test data for this one specifically.
Correct as of November 2026. What the badges mean
Sources
- Safe Work Australia. Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS): subtilisin, alpha-amylase, cellulase, mannanase.
The full source list is at the end of Chapter 5.