The European Union evaluates the safety and efficacy of an endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase as an animal feed additive for all fattening poultry and ornamental birds

On 21 April 2023, according to the European Union Food Safety Authority (EFSA), at the request of the European Commission, The European Union Study Group on Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) on the safety and efficacy of an endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase (Endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase) in all fattening poultry, poultry raised for egg production/breeding, ornamental birds and piglets (weaning and lactation).

It is understood that the additive is produced by Trichoderma tangerine IMI 360748. After evaluation, the panel concluded that the additive is safe for the target species, consumers and the environment under the recommended conditions of use. The panel believes that the additive is effective for all fattening poultry, poultry raised for egg production/breeding and ornamental birds at 500 CU/kg full feed doses, and for piglets (weaning and nursing) at 350 CU/kg full feed doses. Some of the original reports are as follows:

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 the feed additive containing endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride IMI 360748 (Hostazym® C). The product is authorised as a zootechnical additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for use in chickens for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening and weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation for the use in those species/categories, and the extension of use to chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species reared for laying or breeding, ornamental birds and suckling piglets. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There is no new evidence that would lead the Panel to reconsider previous conclusions that the additive is safe for the target species, the consumers, and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion also applies to the target species for which a request for an extension of use is made. The additive is considered not a skin corrosive or eye irritant, but it should be considered a skin sensitiser. The Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin irritant. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel considers that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at 500 CU/kg complete feed in all poultry for fattening, reared for laying or breeding, and ornamental birds, and at 350 CU/kg complete feed in piglets (weaned and suckling, for the period in which solid feed is given).