EU Evaluates the Safety and Efficacy of Clove Tincture as a Feed Additive for All Animal Species

In May 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of clove tincture (Syzygium aromaticum) as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. This opinion was requested by the European Commission.

After a thorough evaluation, the FEEDAP (EFSA's Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) concluded that the use of clove tincture is very unlikely to pose a safety concern for the target animal species up to the maximum proposed use level of 50 mg/kg complete feed, except for horses, for which the proposed use level is 200 mg/kg complete feed. The Panel also determined that the use of clove tincture in water for drinking alone or in combination with use in feed should not exceed the daily amount considered safe when consumed via feed alone.

Moreover, the FEEDAP Panel found no safety concerns for consumers or the environment from the use of clove tincture up to the maximum proposed use levels in feed. However, the additive was considered an irritant to skin and eyes, and a dermal and respiratory sensitizer. To mitigate the risks, the exposure of users to methyleugenol and estragole, which are present in the additive, should be minimized during handling.

Interestingly, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that no further demonstration of efficacy was necessary, as the flower buds of S. aromaticum and their preparations are recognized to flavor food, and their function in feed would be essentially the same.

This positive assessment by the EFSA paves the way for the potential use of clove tincture as a feed additive for all animal species in the European Union, subject to the proposed use conditions and safety considerations.