EU Evaluation: Safety and Effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract as Feed Additive for Horses, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, and Guinea Pigs

The European Union (EU) has recently conducted an assessment regarding the safety and effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract as a feed additive for various animal species, including horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. This evaluation was carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in response to a request from the European Commission. The findings of this evaluation provide valuable insights into the use of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract in animal feed and its potential impact on the target species and consumers.

Key Findings:

After a thorough assessment, the expert panel from the EFSA concluded that, under the recommended conditions of use, the Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is safe for the target animal species and poses no safety concerns for consumers. The evaluated extract contains a minimum of 24% total flavonoids, at least 6% total terpene lactones, and no more than 1 mg/kg of ginkgolic acids.

Specifically, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) determined the following concentrations of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract to be safe for the respective animal species in complete feed: 2.8 mg/kg for horses and cats, 1.1 mg/kg for rabbits and guinea pigs, and 3.3 mg/kg for dogs.

Furthermore, the evaluation highlighted that the Ginkgo biloba leaf extract may cause irritation to the skin and eyes and could act as a dermal and respiratory sensitizer. However, when used within the proposed dosage levels in feed for the target species, the environmental risk was considered minimal.

It is worth noting that while Ginkgo preparations are known for their distinctive flavor profile, there is no evidence to suggest that the Ginkgo biloba leaf extract would impart any flavor to food or feed matrices. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel refrained from making conclusions regarding the efficacy of the additive.

The EU evaluation of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract as a feed additive for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs has determined that, under the recommended conditions of use, the extract is safe for the target species and poses no safety concerns for consumers. The findings of this evaluation provide valuable guidance for the regulation and use of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract as a feed additive in the EU market.