Evaluating Safety and Efficacy: EFSA's Assessment of Natrolite-Phonolite as Animal Feed Additive

On December 20th, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a statement regarding the scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of natrolite-phonolite, extracted from volcanic rock from Kaiserstuhl, as a technological additive for all animal feed. The EFSA's expert panel conducted a thorough evaluation but lacked sufficient data to draw conclusions regarding the additive's safety for target species, consumers, and users. Furthermore, the efficacy of the additive could not be determined. Excerpts from the original report are as follows:

"Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of natrolite-phonolite obtained from volcanic rock from Kaiserstuhl as a technological additive (functional group: anticaking) for all animal species. According to the conventional risk assessment, due to the lack of adequate data, the Panel is not in a position to conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species under the proposed conditions of use. However, from the tolerance studies in cattle for fattening and weaned piglets, effects observed in animal performance and blood clinical biochemistry suggest adverse effects on the animals supplemented with the additive."

The EFSA's assessment of natrolite-phonolite as an animal feed additive highlights the need for further data to determine its safety for target species, consumers, and users. The observed adverse effects on animal performance and blood clinical biochemistry raise concerns about the additive's impact. Additionally, the panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive. These findings emphasize the importance of robust data collection and risk assessment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of animal feed additives. The EFSA's ongoing commitment to scientific evaluation plays a crucial role in safeguarding animal welfare and protecting consumer health.