dsm-firmenich receives CFIA approval for first mycotoxin-degrading ingredient in poultry and swine

CANADA – dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health, a global leader in science-based nutrition and sustainable living, has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of a novel enzyme by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 

The enzyme, fumonisin esterase, is designed to help swine and poultry producers manage mycotoxins in feed, marking the first approval of its kind in the Canadian market.

The newly approved enzyme will be incorporated into Mycofix FUMzyme, which dsm-firmenich will offer for use in swine and poultry diets across Canada. 

This innovative product represents a crucial advancement in mycotoxin risk management, especially in addressing the challenges posed by fumonisins, the second most prevalent group of mycotoxins worldwide.

“Fumonisin esterase is specifically developed for the degradation of fumonisins in swine and poultry feed. This approval underscores dsm-firmenich’s commitment to leading innovation in mycotoxin risk management,” said Paige Gott, Ph.D., strategic product manager at dsm-firmenich.

Dr. Gott highlighted the importance of this approval, noting, “This is the first product ever approved for degrading fumonisins in feed within the Canadian market. Mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins, can significantly negatively affect swine and poultry production. These mycotoxins are increasingly prevalent in livestock diets in North America, and their impact is becoming more pronounced with the rise in extreme weather events in the region.”

Further details on Mycofix FUMzyme and its applications in swine and poultry nutrition will be released in the coming weeks.

EFSA finds fumonisin esterase safe for piglets 

Earlier this year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provided a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of another feed additive Free Yeast® F, a fumonisin esterase produced with a genetically modified strain of Komagataella phaffii. 

The additive, designed to reduce mycotoxin contamination in pig feed, is intended for use across all pig species, including piglets, pigs for fattening, sows, and minor porcine species. 

The FEEDAP Panel confirmed that the production strain and its recombinant genes are absent from the additive, deeming it safe for weaned and suckling piglets, pigs for fattening, and minor growing porcine species at a dosage of up to 60 U/kg of complete feed. 

However, no safety conclusions were drawn for sows. Moreover, the additive poses no consumer safety concerns, is unlikely to cause respiratory or skin irritation, and is environmentally safe. 

The Panel also concluded that the additive effectively reduces fumonisin contamination in feed at the recommended concentration of 60 U/kg, applicable to all growing and reproductive pigs and minor porcine species.

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