Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (dong quai tincture) for use in poultry, horses, dogs and cats (FEFANA asbl).

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (dong quai tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, dogs and cats and in water for drinking for poultry species. The EFSA Panelon Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for horses and dogs at the maximum proposed use level of 123 and 481mg/kg complete feed, respectively. For cats, the calculated safe concentration is 184mg/kg complete feed. For the poultry species, the calculated safe concentration in water for drinking is 79mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 117mg/kg for laying hens and 106mg/kg for turkeys for fattening. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of dong quai tincture up to the highest safe levels in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the dong quai tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the root of A. sinensis has flavouring properties and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.