EFSA approves four new feed additives for use across animal species

EUROPE – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently approved four new feed additives for use across a range of animal species, following a series of scientific evaluations requested by the European Commission. 

The approvals cover nutritional, zootechnical, sensory and technological additives, reflecting EFSA’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and efficacy of feed products used in the European market.

Safe amino acid supplementation

Among the approvals is L-threonine produced by fermentation using Escherichia coli CCTCC M 2024477, submitted by Kempex Holland B.V. 

EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for all animal species when used at appropriate levels in accordance with nutritional requirements. 

The production strain is genetically modified, but EFSA confirmed that “none of the genetic modifications raised a safety concern.”

No viable cells or DNA of the production strain were detected in the final product, and the amino acid was deemed safe for consumers and the environment. 

However, the panel noted that exposure to bacterial endotoxins should be minimised, as “any exposure to the additive is a risk.” 

The additive was found to be an effective source of L-threonine for all non-ruminant species, though for ruminants it must be protected from ruminal degradation to achieve similar efficacy.

Boosting gut health in poultry

EFSA also approved Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181, marketed as Lactiferm® by Chr. Hansen A/S, as a gut flora stabiliser for chickens, other poultry species and ornamental birds. 

The additive, containing viable cells of the bacterial strain, is intended for use in feed at 3 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg or in water at 1.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/L.

While previous reviews found the product safe but inconclusive on efficacy, the applicant submitted additional studies that demonstrated improved performance in poultry. 

Based on these results, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lactiferm® “has the potential to be efficacious when supplemented either in the feed or water of chickens for fattening,” extending its use to birds reared for laying and other poultry species.

Enhancing sensory appeal in animal feed

Two additives derived from Ginkgo biloba leaves, ginkgo tinctures for all animals and ginkgo extract for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, were also approved following new evidence of their sensory effects. 

Earlier assessments had found insufficient proof that the additives imparted flavour, but new trials demonstrated detectable flavour changes in feed when the products were added.

Based on the new data, EFSA concluded that ginkgo extract and ginkgo tinctures have the potential to be efficacious as sensory additives, enhancing the palatability and aroma of feed across species. 

The application was submitted by FEFANA asbl, representing the European feed additives industry.

Improving silage fermentation

The fourth approval concerns a silage additive combining Saccharomyces cerevisiae NBRC 0203 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NBRC 3425, developed by EM-Agriton B.V.

EFSA determined that both microbial strains meet the “qualified presumption of safety” criteria and do not carry antimicrobial resistance genes.

When used at concentrations of 4.0 × 10² CFU/kg and 3.2 × 10⁶ CFU/kg in fresh plant material, respectively, the additive improved fermentation quality in silages made from plant materials with 31–51% dry matter content. 

The panel concluded the product is safe for animals, consumers and the environment, though it warned that “inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk” to users handling the additive.

With these approvals, EFSA reinforces its role in supporting science-based innovation in Europe’s feed sector while maintaining high safety standards. 

The new authorisations are expected to expand the toolbox for feed manufacturers, helping improve animal health, nutrition and production efficiency across the livestock and companion animal industries.

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