EU Evaluates the Safety and Efficacy of Celery Seed Oil as a Feed Additive for All Animal Species

On 25 July 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an important study carefully prepared and published by the EU Research Group on Feed Additives and Products for Animals (FEEDAP) to further explore the safety and effectiveness of celery seed oil as an animal feed additive. This study not only responds to the high concerns of the European Commission, but also injects new scientific impetus into the development of global livestock industry.

Through a series of rigorous scientific evaluations, the research team analyzed in depth the application of celery seed oil in a variety of animal feeds. They found that at the recommended concentrations, celery seed oil showed a high level of safety for animals, consumers and the environment. This conclusion is derived from the extensive application experience of celery and its products in the field of food seasoning, as well as the deep understanding that their function in feed is similar to that in food. Therefore, the panel did not need additional proof of the efficacy of celery seed oil in feed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

When it comes to concentrations, the team set detailed guidelines for different species of animals. For example, the recommended dosage is 1.6 mg/kg for fattened chickens and 2.3 mg/kg for laying hens, and behind these precise values are the crystallization of countless experiments and data analysis. For fattening turkeys, piglets, fattening pigs, sows, meat calves (milk powder), fattening cattle, sheep, goats, horses, cows, rabbits, salmon and dogs, the research team has also given appropriate concentrations, which are strictly verified to ensure animal health and feed safety. It is worth mentioning that these conclusions are also applicable to other species that are physiologically similar to the above animals, reflecting the broad applicability of the study.

However, the research team also noted that celery seed oil may present certain safety risks in some cases. For example, the additive may cause skin and eye irritation and may trigger respiratory and skin allergic reactions. Therefore, when handling this essential oil, users should be particularly cautious and take the necessary protective measures to reduce the risk of exposure. At the same time, for specific species such as cats and ornamental fish, the research team is currently unable to draw definitive conclusions due to the lack of sufficient research data to support them.

To ensure the safe use of celery seed oil as an animal feed additive, the research team also made a series of recommendations. They recommend that producers add celery seed oil to feed in strict accordance with the recommended concentrations, and strengthen quality control and supervision during production. In addition, they also encouraged researchers to continue to explore the application potential of celery seed oil in animal feed and risk prevention and control measures to provide strong scientific and technological support for the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

The findings of the EU Research Group on Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) are a boon for the global livestock industry. Through rigorous scientific evaluation and detailed experimental data, they demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of celery seed oil as an animal feed additive, providing valuable guidance and recommendations for livestock producers. We believe that in the near future, with the continuous progress of science and technology and in-depth research, celery seed oil will play a more important role in animal husbandry and contribute more to animal health and human well-being.