EU Deems Cedarwood Texas Oil Safe for Use as Animal Feed Additive

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of cedarwood Texas oil (Juniperus deppeana Steud.) as a sensory additive in animal feed for all animal species. This evaluation was conducted at the request of the European Commission.

After thorough assessment, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the essential oil is safe for use up to the maximum proposed levels in complete feed. The safe concentration levels vary by animal species, ranging from 4 mg/kg for cats to 15 mg/kg for veal calves, cattle for fattening, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, salmonids and ornamental fish.

The panel found no safety concerns for consumers or the environment when the additive is used up to the maximum proposed level in feed. This conclusion was drawn based on the recognition that the individual components of cedarwood Texas oil are already used to flavor food, and their function in feed would be essentially the same as in food.

While the panel deemed the additive to be an irritant to skin and eyes, and a skin and respiratory sensitizer, it was deemed safe for the target animal species under the recommended conditions of use. No further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary, as the components are recognized for their ability to flavor food.

This scientific opinion provides regulatory authorities with the necessary assessment to determine the suitability of cedarwood Texas oil as a feed additive across the European Union. The EFSA's thorough evaluation ensures that the use of this essential oil in animal feed can be done safely and effectively, benefiting both animal health and consumer safety.