Micrococcus luteus - information sheet

Strain ATCC 4698

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and the environment.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people or to the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Framework for Science-Based Risk Assessment of Micro-Organisms Regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
In the case of Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698, the organism is not hazardous to human health or the environment; and exposure to Canadians and the environment and Canadians is low. Therefore, it is concluded that Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

This screening assessment focuses on the organism Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698. This Priority B (medium hazard) organism was assessed as part of the micro-organisms initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is a bacteria that could have a number of consumer, commercial and industrial uses. The characteristics of Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 make it suitable for use in various applications, including bioremediation, biodegradation, wastewater treatment, drain cleaning and degreasing, growth promotion of plants and fish, skin treatment, and the production of enzymes and antibiotics.
Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 has characteristics in common with other strains of the species Micrococcus luteus, which are found in nature.
Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is currently used in Canada in limited quantities for academic research, teaching, and research and development activities.

According to information available to the Government of Canada, Canadians are not expected to be exposed to Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 nor is it expected to be released into the Canadian environment.

There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is likely to have adverse effects on human health. In humans Micrococcus luteus is generally considered to be non-pathogenic and is rarely isolated from damaged tissues.
In the unlikely event of infection, Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is susceptible to most antibiotics.
There is no conclusive evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is likely to have adverse effects on the environment. In a springtail reproduction test conducted with strain ATCC 4698, no significant effects on adult survival or juvenile production were observed.

Considering all information presented in this assessment, the risk to human health from Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is low.
Also, considering all information presented, there is low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Micrococcus Luteus Strain ATCC 4698 on February 24, 2018.

As a result of this screening assessment, the Government concluded that Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
The Government also concluded that Micrococcus luteus strain ATCC 4698 is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

The Government proposes that no further action under CEPA 1999 be taken on this organism in regards to potential risk to Canadians and to the environment.