Assessment of the feed additive consisting of folic acid for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Chr. Olesen A/S and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for the renewal of the authorisation of folic acid as a nutritional feed additive. The additive is authorised for use in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation and the production process has not been modified. The FEEDAP Panel considers that there is no evidence to revise the conclusions reached in the previous assessment for the safety for the terrestrial species, consumers and for the environment. The use of folic acid in aquatic animal species to cover their nutritional needs is considered safe. However, the Panel is not in a position to set a maximum safe level for all fish and crustacean species. Considering the narrow margin between the requirement and the tolerated levels seen in some aquatic animal species, the FEEDAP Panel considers that supplementation should not exceed the requirements of the different aquatic animal species. The additive is neither a skin irritant nor a dermal sensitiser. The exposure through inhalation is likely. Due to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the potential of folic acid to be harmful to the respiratory system and irritant to eyes. The Panel retains that the previously made conclusion on the efficacy remains valid.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of natrolite-phonolite obtained from volcanic rock from Kaiserstuhl for all animal species (Hans G. Hauri Mineralstoffwerk GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of natrolite-phonolite obtained from volcanic rock from Kaiserstuhl as a technological additive (functional group: anticaking) for all animal species. According to the conventional risk assessment, due to the lack of adequate data, the Panel is not in a position to conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species under the proposed conditions of use. However, from the tolerance studies in cattle for fattening and weaned piglets, effects observed in animal performance and blood clinical biochemistry suggest adverse effects on the animals supplemented with the additive. Based on current knowledge, there is no indication of substantial absorption of the components of the additive and, therefore, of concern for the consumer. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin and eye irritant. The additive is considered a respiratory and dermal sensitiser. In the absence of suitable data, the presence of small/nanoparticles cannot be excluded. As no suitable data in line with the requirements of the Guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials were provided by the applicant, the potential risks associated with the presence of nanoparticles for the target species, the consumer and the user could not be assessed. Due to the lack of sufficient data, the Panel is not in a position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive.

Assessment of the safety of the feed additives acetic acid, calcium acetate and sodium diacetate for fish (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of acetic acid, calcium acetate and sodium diacetate as technological feed additives (preservatives) for salmonids/fish. The additives are already authorised for use for all animal species other than fish. In previous opinions, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that a maximum concentration of 2,500 mg acetic acid/kg complete feed (or 1,000 mg/L water for drinking) was safe for poultry, pigs and pet animals. Ruminants were considered to exhibit a higher tolerance. Due to lack of data for salmonids, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of acetic acid and its salts for fish. The applicant has provided supplementary information consisting in a tolerance study in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and a literature search to support the safety of acetic acid in fish. Considering all the available information, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that acetic acid (and its salts by analogy) is considered safe for fish up to the maximum recommended supplementation level of 2,500 mg acetic acid/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of potassium ferrocyanide for all animal species (K + S KALI GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of potassium ferrocyanide as a technological feed additive, functional group anticaking agents, for all animal species. The additive potassium ferrocyanide is intended to be used in potassium chloride with a maximum content of 150 mg ferrocyanide anion/kg salt. The use of potassium ferrocyanide is safe, when added to potassium chloride at a maximum content of 150 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg for: pigs for fattening and lactating sows, sheep, goats, salmon and dogs. In the absence of a margin of safety, the use of potassium chloride according to the proposed conditions of use is not considered to be safe for chickens for fattening, laying hens, turkeys, piglets, veal calf, cattle for fattening, dairy cows, horse, rabbit and cats. In the absence of information on the use of potassium chloride in the diets for any other animal species, no conclusion on a potentially safe level of potassium chloride, supplemented with 150 mg ferrocyanide/kg, can be made. The use of potassium ferrocyanide in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. The results of in vivo studies showed that potassium ferrocyanide is not irritant to skin and eye and is not a skin sensitiser. However, due to the presence of nickel, the additive should be considered as a respiratory and dermal sensitiser. The available data do not allow the FEEDAP Panel to conclude on the safety of the additive for the soil and the marine environment, while the use of the additive in land-based aquaculture according to the proposed conditions of use is considered of no concern. Potassium ferrocyanide is considered to be efficacious as an anticaking agent when included in potassium chloride at the proposed use levels.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide for all animal species (Eusalt a.i.s.b.l.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of potassium and sodium ferrocyanide as technological feed additives for all animal species. The additives sodium- and potassium ferrocyanide are intended to be used in sodium chloride with a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anion (anhydrous)/kg salt. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide is safe, when added to sodium chloride at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anion/kg for: turkey for fattening and laying hens and other laying/breeding birds; all porcine species and categories, all ruminant species and categories, rabbit, horse, salmonids and other minor fin fish, dogs and cats. In the absence of a margin of safety, the use of sodium and potassium chloride according to the proposed conditions of use is not considered to be safe for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding other than turkeys. In the absence of information on the use of sodium chloride in the diets for any other animal species, no conclusion on a potentially safe level of sodium chloride, supplemented with 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg, could be made. The use of sodium and potassium ferrocyanide in animal nutrition under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. The results of in vivo studies showed that sodium and potassium ferrocyanide are not irritant to skin and eye and are not skin sensitisers. However, owing to the presence of nickel, sodium ferrocyanide, is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions could be reached on the safety of the user exposed via inhalation for potassium ferrocyanide. The use of sodium and potassium ferrocyanide as feed additives is considered safe for the environment. The additives are considered to be efficacious as anticaking agents in sodium chloride at the proposed use level.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Novus Europe S.A./N.V.).

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the application for renewal of authorisation of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine (Mintrex®Cu) for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel has delivered two opinions (in 2008 and 2009) on the safety and efficacy of the additive. The additive was authorised in 2010 as 'Copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine' containing 18% copper, 79.5-81% (2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (DL-methionine hydroxy analogue, HMTBa) and 1% mineral oil. Following some modifications in the manufacturing process, the additive does not contain mineral oil and the applicant proposes the following specifications: ≥ 16% copper and ≥ 78% HMTBa. The data provided indicate that the additive complies with the new specifications. No new evidence was found that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsidering its previous conclusions on the safety for target species, consumers and environment. The applicant provided new studies on the effects of the additive on the respiratory tract and on skin and eyes. Data on the characterisation of the additive and the new studies on skin/eyes led the Panel to reconsider the safety for the user. Mintrex®Cu is considered as a skin and eye irritant and a skin sensitiser; the risk of respiratory sensitisation is considered low. The present application did not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive; therefore, there was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of chromium propionate (KemTRACE™ Chromium) for all growing poultry species (Kemin Europa NV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of chromium propionate (KemTRACE™ Chromium; KemTRACE-Cr) as zootechnical feed additive for all growing poultry species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel was assigned to this mandate. Based on two tolerance studies submitted, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at the maximum recommended supplementation level of 0.4 mg Cr/kg feed from KemTRACE-Cr, but a margin of safety cannot be established; this conclusion can be extended to chickens reared for laying/breeding, but cannot be extrapolated to other growing poultry species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use of KemTRACE-Cr in animal nutrition at the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer. No concerns for users following any inhalation exposure during the handling of the additive are expected; the additive was shown to be corrosive to the eyes but not irritant to skin or a skin sensitiser. The use of KemTRACE-Cr in animal nutrition according to the proposed conditions of use will not significantly alter the concentration in the receiving environmental compartments of concern; therefore, no safety concern is expected for the environment. Based on three efficacy studies, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that KemTRACE-Cr has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in chickens for fattening at the supplementation level of 0.4 mg Cr/kg feed; this conclusion could be extended to chickens reared for laying and chickens reared for breeding, and extrapolated to other poultry species for fattening and reared for laying/breeding.

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of zinc chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine for all animal species.

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the application for renewal of authorisation of zinc chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine (Mintrex®Zn) for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel has delivered three opinions (during 2008 and 2009) on the safety and efficacy of the additive. The additive was authorised in 2010 as 'Zinc chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine' containing 17.5-18 % zinc, 81 % (2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (dl-methionine hydroxy analogue, HMTBa) and maximum 1% mineral oil. Following some modifications in the manufacturing process, the additive does not contain mineral oil and the applicant proposes the following specifications: ≥ 17 % zinc and ≥ 79 % HMTBa. The data provided indicate that the additive complies with the new specifications. No new evidence was found that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsidering its previous conclusions on the safety for target species, consumers and environment. The applicant provided new studies on the effects of the additive on the respiratory tract and on skin and eyes. Data on the characterisation of the additive and the new studies on skin/eyes led the Panel to reconsider the safety for the user. Owing to the zinc and nickel content of Mintrex®Zn, the handling of the additive poses a risk to users by inhalation; the additive is not a skin or eye irritant but is considered a skin sensitiser. The present application did not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive; therefore, there was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of manganese chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine for all animal species.

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the application for renewal of authorisation of manganese chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine (Mintrex®Mn) for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel has delivered three opinions (in 2008, 2009 and 2010) on the safety and efficacy of the additive. The additive was authorised in 2010 as 'Manganese chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine' containing 15.5-17 % manganese, 77-78 % (2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (dl-Methionine Hydroxy Analogue, HMTBa) and maximum 1% mineral oil. Following some modifications in the manufacturing process the additive does not contain mineral oil and the applicant proposes the following specifications: ≥ 14 % manganese and ≥ 76 % HMTBa. The data provided indicate that the additive complies with the new specifications. No new evidence was found that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsidering its previous conclusions on the safety for target species, consumers and environment. The applicant provided new studies on the effects of the additive on the respiratory tract and on skin and eyes. Data on the characterisation of the additive and the new studies on skin/eyes led the Panel to reconsider the safety for the user. Owing to the manganese and nickel content of Mintrex®Mn, the handling of the additive poses a risk to users by inhalation; the additive is not a skin or eye irritant but is considered as a skin sensitiser. The present application did not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive; therefore, there was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of Formi™ LHS (potassium diformate) for sows.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of Formi™ LHS (potassium diformate) for sows. The Panel considers that the information provided by the applicant does not fulfil the minimum requirements to support that Formi™ LHS remains safe under the approved conditions for target species, consumers and users. The Panel concludes that the use of Formi™ LHS under the approved conditions remains safe for the environment. The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive.

Occurrence data of nickel in feed and animal exposure assessment.

Nickel (Ni) is a silvery-white, hard, ductile metal existing in oxidation states; in biological systems, Ni2+ is the prevalent form. All analytical results used to estimate animal dietary exposure were reported as Ni', without providing information on specific chemical species. Considering the data provided by Member states, among FoodEx level 1 feed categories, the highest mean Ni levels were measured in 'Minerals and products derived thereof' (n = 72). High mean Ni concentrations were also observed in 'Compound feed' (n = 516), in particular in complementary feeds for fattening cattles, unspecified complementary feed and complementary feeds for fattening pigs. Within grains used as feed (n = 597), the highest mean Ni concentrations were measured in oats. In addition, Ni concentrations in hydrogenated vegetable oils/fats were reported by industry. Exposure to Ni in livestock and companion animals varied according to the animal species. When considering the diets with hydrogenated vegetable oils/fats based on the reported Ni concentrations, the mean exposures varied between 6.0 µg Ni/kg body weight (bw) per day in cats and 79 µg Ni/kg bw per day in laying hens and the high exposure levels varied between 11 µg Ni/kg bw per day in cats and 127 µg Ni/kg bw per day in rabbits. The mean exposure estimates considering the maximum concentration of Ni assumed from good manufacturing practice in hydrogenated vegetable oils/fats (50 mg Ni/kg) varied between 27 µg Ni/kg bw per day in cats and 255 µg Ni/kg bw per day in rabbits; for the high concentration scenarios, exposures varied between 30 µg Ni/kg bw per day and 307 µg Ni/kg bw per day in the same species. The estimated exposures to Ni are in line with the one reported in the 2015 EFSA opinion, using a worst-case scenario. When estimating exposure with a realistic scenario, using the reported Ni concentration in hydrogenated vegetable oils/fats, the exposure of livestock and companion animals is lower (approximately from 1.5 to 6 times, depending on the species) than the 2015 assessment.

Safety of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium-phyllosilicates (Fluidol) for all animal species.

The additive under assessment consists of a natural mixture, mainly composed of dolomite (~ 30%), magnesite (~ 20%) and magnesium-phyllosilicates (talc (~ 35%) and chlorite (~ 15%)). In 2016, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium-phyllosilicates. In this opinion, the Panel concluded that 20,000 mg additive/kg complete feed is considered safe for dairy cows and for piglets (weaned). This conclusion was extended to pigs for fattening while no conclusion could be drawn on the safety for poultry or any other species/categories. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. The new tolerance studies submitted with cattle for fattening and chickens for fattening showed tolerance of these animal categories to the additive up to approximately fivefold the highest recommended use level. The FEEDAP Panel therefore concluded that 20,000 mg additive/kg complete feed is safe for cattle for fattening and chickens for fattening. The additive at the same dietary concentration was already considered safe in an earlier opinion for piglets and dairy cows. Since the additive at 20,000 mg/kg complete feed is considered safe for four animal categories (three major animal species) with a comparable margin of safety, the conclusion on safety is extrapolated to all animal species. At the safe dietary concentration the additive did not affect the digestibility of the feed (including feed additives).

Safety of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium-phyllosilicates (Fluidol) for all animal species.

The additive under assessment consists of a natural mixture, mainly composed of dolomite (~ 30%), magnesite (~ 20%) and magnesium-phyllosilicates (talc (~ 35%) and chlorite (~ 15%)). In 2016, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of natural mixture of dolomite plus magnesite and magnesium-phyllosilicates. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe in complete feed for dairy cows, piglets and pigs for fattening at a maximum concentration of 20,000 mg/kg. However, no conclusions could be drawn for all other animal species/categories. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. The applicant answered with a new submission, an analysis of the previous EFSA opinion, but without new data. The FEEDAP Panel considered the arguments made by the applicant, in relation to the tolerance studies with dairy cows and chickens for fattening. No reason was identified to modify the conclusions reached in the previous opinion.

Safety of lactic acid and calcium lactate when used as technological additives for all animal species.

The additives under assessment are lactic acid and calcium lactate. In 2015, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an Opinion on the safety and efficacy of lactic acid and calcium lactate. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of lactic acid in pre-ruminants and poultry. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. Based on the studies submitted in chickens for fattening and laying hens, no safe concentration of lactic acid and calcium lactate in complete feed for these species could be identified. Owing to the absence of data on tolerated dietary levels of d-lactic acid, no conclusion on the safety of lactic acid in milk replacer for pre-ruminants is possible. Since a safe concentration of lactic acid (and calcium lactate) was established only for pigs and cattle, and not for a third major animal species, no extrapolation to any other species is possible.

Safety and efficacy of natural mixture of illite, montmorillonite and kaolinite for all animal species.

The additive under assessment is a natural mixture mainly composed of illite (~ 53%), montmorillonite (~ 16%) and kaolinite (~ 17%). In 2016, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an Opinion on the safety and efficacy of a natural mixture of illite, montmorillonite and kaolinite (MIMK). The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for piglets and pigs for fattening at a maximum concentration of 20,000 mg/kg, and for cattle for fattening at a maximum concentration of 50,000 mg/kg. However, no conclusion could be drawn for all other species/categories. The Panel also concluded that the additive is efficacious at a minimum concentration of 50,000 mg/kg. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species and on its efficacy at a minimum concentration of 20,000 mg/kg. The applicant submitted a new tolerance study in piglets and an analysis of the previous EFSA opinion regarding poultry and milk-producing animals. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for piglets and pigs for fattening at 50,000 mg/kg. The Panel concluded that the safe level (50,000 mg/kg) found for cattle for fattening could be extrapolated to minor growing ruminants. The conclusion could be extrapolated to dairy cows and minor ruminant species for milk production. The FEEDAP Panel confirmed that no safe concentration of MIMK in feed for chickens for fattening could be identified. No conclusions could be drawn for all the other animal species/categories. The additive is effective as a pellet binder and an anticaking agent at the lowest level tested of 5,000 mg/kg feed.