EU Evaluates the Safety and Efficacy of Cajuput Oil as an Animal Feed Additive

In a recent development, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted an evaluation of cajuput oil as a potential additive for animal feed. This assessment was carried out in response to a request from the European Commission. The EFSA's Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was tasked with providing a scientific opinion on the safety and effectiveness of cajuput oil as an additive for all animal species. The findings of this evaluation have significant implications for the animal feed industry within the European Union (EU).

Safety Assessment:

Following a thorough evaluation, the expert panel concluded that cajuput oil, obtained from fresh leaves of Melaleuca cajuputi Maton & Sm. ex R. Powell and Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L., is safe for use as an animal feed additive under the proposed conditions. The maximum proposed use levels for different animal species were determined. For instance, the recommended safe concentrations were 30 mg/kg for sows and dogs, 50 mg/kg for horses and ornamental fish, 40 mg/kg for salmon, and 5 mg/kg for cats. Similar safe concentrations were established for other species, such as chickens, turkeys, pigs, veal calves, cattle, sheep/goats, dairy cows, and rabbits. For any other species not explicitly mentioned, the additive was deemed safe at a concentration of 5 mg/kg in complete feed. Importantly, the evaluation found no identified concerns for consumers or the environment when the additive was used within the recommended safe levels.

Efficacy Considerations:

Given that cajuput oil is recognized for its flavoring properties in food, and its functional attributes in feed are essentially the same, the evaluation did not require further demonstration of its efficacy as an animal feed additive. This acknowledgment simplifies the regulatory process for manufacturers and facilitates the adoption of cajuput oil in animal feed formulations.

The EFSA's evaluation of cajuput oil as an animal feed additive confirms its safety and efficacy under the proposed conditions. This assessment provides valuable guidance for the EU animal feed industry, ensuring the use of cajuput oil as a reliable and approved ingredient in animal feed formulations. Manufacturers can now utilize cajuput oil with confidence, leveraging its flavoring properties and functional benefits to enhance animal nutrition and well-being.