Qualified Presumption Of Safety Approach Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Pediococcus pentosaceusIMI 507024 for all animal species (ALL-TECHNOLOGY (IRELAND) LIMITED [Alltech Ireland]).

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 safety and efficacy of Pediococcus pentosaceus IMI 507024 as a technological additive for all animal species. The additive is intended to improve the production of silage at a proposed application rate of 1 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The bacterial species P. pentosaceus is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been established and no antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers and for the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive at the proposed application rate of 1 × 109 CFU/kg fresh material has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silages from easy to moderately difficult to ensile forages.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) IMI 507027 for all animal species (ALL-TECHNOLOGY (IRELAND) LIMITED [Alltech Ireland]).

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 safety and efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) IMI 507027 as a technological additive for all animal species. The additive is intended to improve the production of silage at a proposed application rate of 1 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The bacterial species L. plantarum is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been established and no antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers and for the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive at the proposed application rate of 1 × 109 CFU/kg fresh material has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silages from easy to moderately difficult to ensile forages.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) IMI 507028 for all animal species (ALL-TECHNOLOGY (IRELAND) LIMITED [Alltech Ireland]).

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 safety and efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) IMI 507028 as a technological additive for all animal species. The additive is intended to improve the production of silage at a proposed application rate of 1 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The bacterial species L. plantarum is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been established and no antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers and for the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive at the proposed application rate of 1 × 109 CFU/kg fresh material has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silages from easy to moderately difficult to ensile forages.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme maltogenic α-amylase from the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain ROM.

The food enzyme maltogenic α‐amylase (glucan 1,4‐α‐maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain ROM by DSM Food Specialities B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The maltogenic α‐amylase is considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its recombinant DNA. The food enzyme is intended to be used in baking processes. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for the baking processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.065 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. As the production strain of B. subtilis ROM qualifies for the Qualified Presumption of Safety approach to safety assessment and no issue of concern arose from the production process, no toxicological data are required. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and six matches were found. The Panel considered that under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensis PTA-6507, B. velezensis NRRL B-50013 and B. velezensis NRRL B-50104 (Enviva® PRO 202 GT) for turkeys for fattening (Danisco Animal Nutrition).

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 safety and efficacy of the additive consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PTA‐6507, B. amyloliquefaciens NRRL B‐50013 and B. amyloliquefaciens NRRL B‐50104 (trade name: Enviva® PRO 202 GT) for turkeys for fattening. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of three strains originally identified as B. amyloliquefaciens which, in the course of the current assessment, were reclassified as Bacillus velezensis. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agents was established. The active agents do not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and lack toxigenic potential and the capacity to produce aminoglycosides. Following the QPS approach, the three bacterial strains are presumed safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, Enviva® PRO 202 GT is also considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Enviva® PRO 202 GT is non‐irritant to skin and eyes and is not a dermal sensitiser. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active agents, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. In a previous opinion, it was concluded that Enviva® PRO 202 GT has a potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in chickens for fattening at the recommended level of 7.5 × 107 CFU/kg complete feed. It is considered that conclusions on efficacy of Enviva® PRO 202 GT in chickens for fattening can be extrapolated to turkeys for fattening. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Enviva® PRO 202 GT has the potential to be efficacious in turkeys for fattening at 7.5 × 107 CFU/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of an additive consisting of Bacillus subtilisDSM 32325 for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S).

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 additive consisting of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 when used as technological additive (hygiene condition enhancer) in feed for all animal species. The product is intended for use in dry feeds at a minimum inclusion level of 1 × 108 colony forming unit (CFU)/kg complete feedingstuff. The bacterial species Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely and the product should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 when used in animal nutrition as hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 is compatible with diclazuril, decoquinate and halofuginone. The data provided do not allow to conclude on the compatibility of the additive with monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, narasin, robenidine hydrochloride and maduramicin ammonium.

Safety and efficacy of an additive consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciensDSM 25840 for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S).

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 additive consisting of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 25840 when used as technological additive (hygiene condition enhancer) in feed for all animal species. The product is intended for use in dry feeds at a minimum inclusion level of 1 × 108 colony forming unit (CFU)/kg complete feedingstuffs. The bacterial species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 25840 is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely and the product should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 25840 when used in animal nutrition as hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM 25840 is compatible with diclazuril, decoquinate and halofuginone. The data provided do not allow to conclude on the compatibility of the additive with monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, narasin, robenidine hydrochloride and maduramicin ammonium.

Safety and efficacy of an additive consisting of Bacillus subtilisDSM 32324 for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S).

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 additive consisting of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324 when used as a technological additive (hygiene condition enhancer) in feed for all animal species. The product is intended for use in dry feeds at a minimum inclusion level of 1 × 108 colony forming unit (CFU)/kg complete feedingstuff. The bacterial species Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324 is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely and the product should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324 when used in animal nutrition as hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. Bacillus subtilis DSM 32324 is compatible with diclazuril, decoquinate and halofuginone. The data provided do not allow to conclude on the compatibility of the additive with monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, narasin, robenidine hydrochloride and maduramicin ammonium.

Safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 28710 (B-Act®) for laying hens, minor poultry species for laying, poultry species for breeding purposes and ornamental birds (HuvePharma N.V.).

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 safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 28710 (trade name: B‐Act®) when used in feed for laying hens, minor poultry species for laying and for breeding purposes and ornamental birds. B. licheniformis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established, and it does not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes or has toxigenic potential. Following the QPS approach, B. licheniformis DSM 28710 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, B‐Act® is also considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritation or skin sensitisation potential of the additive, but B‐Act® is considered a respiratory sensitiser. B‐Act® when supplemented at 1.6 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed has the potential to be efficacious in laying hens. Considering also that the efficacy of the product was already shown in chickens and turkeys for fattening, the Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in minor poultry species for laying, poultry species for breeding purposes and for ornamental birds at the same inclusion level. The conclusions on the compatibility of B‐Act® with coccidiostats previously drawn apply to the current application provided that the maximum authorised concentrations of the coccidiostats for the target species are equal or lower than those for chickens.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting on Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermaniiATCC PTA-6752 for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S).

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 additive consisting of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA‐6752 when used as technological additive (acidity regulator) in dry feed at a minimum inclusion level of 2 × 109 colony‐forming units (CFU)/kg and in complete or complementary liquid feed for all animal species at a minimum concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/L. No minimum concentration is proposed by the applicant when used in combination with other microbial technological additives. The bacterial species P. freudenreichii is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target animals, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the additive, but it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely. No conclusions could be drawn on the efficacy of the additive when used alone as an acidity regulator in feed due to lack of data. The studies provided showed that P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA‐6752 when used in combination with Ligilactobacillus animalis ATCC PTA‐6750 has the potential to act as an acidity regulator. However, the Panel has reservations on the effects of this mixture in practical use conditions.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting on Ligilactobacillus animalisATCC PTA-6750 (formerly Lactobacillus animalis) for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S).

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 additive consisting of Ligilactobacillus animalis (formerly known as Lactobacillus animalis) ATCC PTA‐6750 when used as a technological additive (acidity regulator, preservative and hygiene condition enhancer) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is intended for use as a single strain at a minimum inclusion level of 5 × 106 CFU/L or CFU/kg in water, liquid and dry feeds. No minimum inclusion level is proposed by the applicant when used in combination with other microbial technological additives. The bacterial species L. animalis is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product, but it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of L. animalis ATCC PTA‐6750 when used in animal nutrition as an acidity regulator, preservative or hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. The studies provided showed that L. animalis ATCC PTA‐6750 when used in combination with Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA‐6752 has the potential to act as an acidity regulator. However, the Panel has reservations on the effects of this mixture in practical use conditions.

Safety and efficacy of Correlink™ ABS747 Bacillus subtilis (Bacillus velezensis NRRL B-67257) as a feed additive for all growing poultry species.

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 safety and efficacy of Correlink™ ABS747 Bacillus subtilis (hereafter designated as Correlink™ ABS747) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding and minor growing poultry species. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain originally identified as Bacillus subtilis, which in the course of the current assessment, was reclassified as Bacillus velezensis NRRL B‐67257. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established and it does not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, lacks toxigenic potential and does not have the capacity to produce aminoglycosides. Following the QPS approach to safety assessment, B. velezensis NRRL B‐67257 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, Correlink™ ABS747 is also considered safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Correlink™ ABS747 is not irritant to skin and eyes or a skin sensitiser but is a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Correlink™ ABS747 for the target species due to lack of data.

Safety and efficacy of Correlink™ ABS1781 Bacillus subtilis (Bacillus velezensisNRRL B-67259) as a feed additive for all growing poultry species.

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 safety and efficacy of Correlink™ ABS1781 Bacillus subtilis (hereafter designated as Correlink™ ABS1781) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding and minor growing poultry species. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain originally identified as Bacillus subtilis, which in the course of the current assessment, was reclassified as Bacillus velezensis NRRL B‐67259. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established and it does not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, lacks toxigenic potential and does not have the capacity to produce aminoglycosides. Following the QPS approach to safety assessment, B. velezensis NRRL B‐67259 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, Correlink™ ABS1781 is also considered safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Correlink™ ABS1781 is not irritant to skin and eyes or a skin sensitiser but is a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Correlink™ ABS1781 for the target species due to lack of data.

Safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus parafarraginis DSM 32962 as a silage additive for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus parafarraginis DSM 32962 when used as a technological additive intended to improve the production of silage at a proposed application rate of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The bacterial species L. parafarraginis is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. The additive is not an eye or dermal irritant but should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. Three studies with laboratory‐scale silos were made using samples of easy and moderately difficult to ensile forage. In each case, replicate silos containing untreated forage were compared with identical silos containing the same forage to which Lactobacillus parafarraginis DSM 32962 was added to reach an intended concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh matter. The results showed that the addition of the additive improves significantly the aerobic stability of the silage tested.

Safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus buchneri DSM 29026 as a silage additive for all animal species.

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 Lactobacillus buchneri DSM 29026 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of forage. The additive is intended for use with all forages and for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony‐forming units (CFU)/kg forage if used alone, or 5 × 107 CFU/kg forage if used in combination with other authorised microorganisms. The bacterial species L. buchneri is considered by the EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin/eye irritant or skin sensitiser. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lactobacillus buchneri DSM 29026 at a minimum concentration of 5 × 107 CFU/kg may improve the production of silage from easy and moderately difficult to ensile forage material.

Safety and efficacy of TechnoSpore® (Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016) for piglets, other growing Suidae, chickens for fattening, other poultry for fattening and ornamental birds.

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 safety and efficacy of TechnoSpore® (Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016), when used as a zootechnical additive for piglets (suckling and weaned), other growing Suidae, chickens for fattening, other poultry for fattening and ornamental birds. The bacterial species present in the additive is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established and the lack of toxigenic potential confirmed. B. coagulans DSM 32016 did not show resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, and therefore, was presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals Fed the additive and the environment. Since the other components of the additive did not give rise to concerns, TechnoSpore® was also considered safe for the target species, consumer and the environment. The additive is not a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. TechnoSpore® showed the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in weaned piglets and chickens for fattening at 1 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed. This conclusion was extended to suckling piglets and extrapolated to other growing Suidae at the same physiological stage and to other birds for fattening and ornamental birds at the same use level. B. coagulans DSM 32016 included in Technospore® is compatible with halofuginone and diclazuril. The Panel could not conclude on the compatibility of the additive with monensin sodium, decoquinate, robenidine hydrochloride, lasalocid sodium, narasin, salinomycin sodium, maduramicin ammonium, nicarbazin and narasin/nicarbazin.

Safety and efficacy of Biacton® (Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I-3740) as a feed additive for weaned piglets.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panelon Additives and products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Biacton® when used as a feed additive for weaned piglets. Biacton® is a preparation of viable cells of Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I-3740 intended to be incorporated into feed for weaned piglets at a minimum recommended application level of 1×109 CFU/kg complete feed. L. farciminis is a species considered by EFSA to be suitable for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment which requires the identity of the strain to be conclusively established and evidence that it does not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. The strain was found to meet the criteria for the QPS approach to safety assessment and since concerns are not expected from other components of the additive, the additive is presumed safe for all target species, consumers and the environment. Biacton® is not irritant to skin, eyes or to the respiratory tract, but should be considered a prespiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, no conclusions could be drawn on the potential skin sensitisation potential of the additive. No conclusion can be drawn on the efficacy of Biacton® for weaned piglets based on the data available.

Safety and efficacy of ProEquo® (Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 11520) as a feed additive for horses

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 safety and efficacy of ProEquo® as a feed additive for horses. This additive is a preparation single strain of Lactobacillus plantarum intended for use as a zootechnical additive in feed for horses. The identity of the bacterial strain was not established. Consequently, the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment cannot be applied, and separate studies on target animals, consumer and environmental safety are required. The tolerance trial provided could not be considered due to non-compliance with the minimum requirements. No additional studies or data were provided for the other safety aspects. Therefore, in the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of ProEquo® for the target animals, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. ProEquo® should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the irritancy potential of the additive to skin and eyes or on its dermal sensitisation potential. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of ProEquo® for horses.

Safety and efficacy of Biacton® (Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I-3740) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Biacton® when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens. Biacton® is a preparation of viable cells of Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I‐3740 intended for use in feed for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens at a minimum recommended application level of 5 × 108 CFU/kg complete feedingstuffs. L. farciminis is a species considered by EFSA to be suitable for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment which requires the identity of the strain to be conclusively established and evidence that it does not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. The strain was found to meet the criteria for the QPS approach to safety assessment, and since concerns are not expected from other components of the additive, the additive is presumed safe for all target species, consumers and the environment. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the irritancy of Biacton® to skin and eyes or on its dermal sensitisation potential. The additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Due to poor reporting and significant limitations in the data available, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BANSC.

The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the non‐genetically modified B. amyloliquefaciens strain BANSC by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. The α‐amylase is intended to be used in brewing and baking processes and in starch processing for glucose syrups production and other starch hydrolysates. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed during the starch processing for glucose syrups production, it is excluded from the dietary exposure estimation. Based on the maximum recommended use levels for brewing and baking processes, and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–Total Organic Solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.468 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day. The parental strain meets the required qualifications to be considered as a Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) organism and is therefore presumed to be safe. The conclusions on safety of the food enzyme are made following the QPS approach in relation to the production strain, with additional consideration of the conditions of manufacture. Consequently, the Panel considers no toxicological studies other than assessment of allergenicity necessary. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is considered low. Based on the QPS status of the production strain and the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.