Unveiling the Astonishing Findings of L-Valine Supplements in Ruminants! Do You Understand 90% of the Risks?

On October 9, 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued an official statement, following instructions from the European Commission, The EU Research Group on Additives and Products for Animal Feed (FEEDAP) has conducted a detailed scientific assessment of the safety and efficacy of L-valine produced by the fermentation of Escherichia coli CGMCC 22721 as a full-class animal feed additive and has issued a corresponding opinion.

After in-depth analysis, the expert panel unanimously confirmed that the additive demonstrated a high level of safety for the target animal species, the end consumer, and the ecological environment. However, due to a lack of available data, the research team is not yet able to draw firm conclusions about the additive's possible irritating effects on the skin or eyes.

The additive was evaluated as an effective supplemental source of L-valine, a key amino acid, in non-ruminants. It is important to note that in order to ensure that L-valine supplements are equally effective in ruminants, measures need to be taken to prevent their degradation in the rumen environment. A summary of the results has been published in some media reports.　　

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l-valine produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli (CGMCC 22721) as a nutritional additive for all animal species. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final additive. Therefore, the final product does not give raise to any safety concern regarding the genetic modification of the production strain. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that l-valine produced using E. coli CGMCC 22721 is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to the nutritional needs of the target species. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the use of amino acids in water for drinking for hygienic reasons, and due to the risk of imbalances when administered simultaneously via feed. The use of l-valine produced using E. coli CGMCC 22721 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of l-valine produced using E. coli CGMCC 22721 to irritant to the skin or eyes, a dermal or respiratory sensitiser due to the lack of data. The endotoxin activity of the additive does not represent a hazard for users handling the additive when exposed by inhalation. The additive l-valine produced by fermentation using E. coli CGMCC 22721 is regarded as an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-valine for non-ruminant nutrition. For the supplemental l-valine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.