EU Evaluates Efficacy of 6-Phytase Enzyme as Poultry Feed Additive

On October 30, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), responding to a request from the European Commission, carried out an evaluation through the EU Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) Research Group regarding the 6-phytase enzyme (6-phytase) as a potential feed additive for various poultry species, including fattening chickens, as well as other poultry used for fattening, birds raised for egg production, and ornamental purposes.

Chicken Feed Ingredients

This particular 6-phytase enzyme is derived from Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 7.19 and was subjected to a comprehensive assessment. The expert panel's ultimate consensus was that, under the proposed conditions of use, this additive exhibits a high likelihood of effectiveness for the specified target species. An excerpt from their findings is as follows:

In response to a request from the European Commission, EFSA was tasked with delivering a scientific opinion on the efficacy of 6-phytase produced by Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 7.19, known as Nutrase P, as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens intended for fattening, other poultry designated for fattening or reared for laying, and ornamental birds. In a prior assessment, the FEEDAP Panel had determined the efficacy of Nutrase P for the target species at a level of 1,500 phytase units (FTU)/kg. However, at the minimum recommended usage level of 500 FTU/kg complete feed, a conclusive determination could not be reached.

Performance of Seven Commercial Phytases

In light of the additional information provided by the applicant, which involved the statistical re-evaluation of the long-term study previously examined, aiming to substantiate the efficacy of the additive at the minimum recommended level of 500 FTU/kg complete feed, the Panel has concluded that the additive holds the potential to be effective for chickens intended for fattening, other poultry designated for fattening or reared for laying, and ornamental birds under the conditions of use as proposed.