L-arginine Additive Produced by Genetically Modified E. coli: EFSA Report Raises Safety Concerns, Use May Pose Health Risks!

On October 10, 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) officially notified that, in accordance with the Directive of the European Commission, the European Union Research Group on Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) has issued a report on L-arginine, produced by fermentation of E. coli CGMCC 7.401. A scientific assessment report was published on the safety and efficacy of a full class of animal feed additives.

After a thorough and detailed evaluation, the panel confirmed that the additive has demonstrated safety for the target animals, consumers and the environment. However, due to insufficient data, the research team has not been able to draw firm conclusions about the additive's possible irritating effects on the skin or eyes.

At the same time, the evaluation results showed that the additive was recognized as an effective supply source of the amino acid L-arginine required for non-ruminant species. It is important to note that in order to ensure that L-arginine is equally effective for ruminants, measures must be taken to prevent its degradation process in the rumen. Here are some excerpts from the original story:

Following a request from the European Commission,  EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of L-arginine  produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli (CGMCC 7.401). The additive is intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The genetic modifications introduced do  not raise safety concerns. No viable cells or DNA of the production strain were detected in the final product. The EFSA  Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive does not pose  any safety concern with regard to the production strain. L-arginine produced with E. coli CGMCC 7.401 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 and water. The use of L-arginine produced  with E. coli CGMCC 7.401 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. The endotoxin  activity of the additive does not represent a hazard for persons handling the additive. In the absence of data,  the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and/or eyes,  or to be a dermal or respiratory sensitiser. The additive L-arginine produced with E. coli CGMCC 7.401 is regarded as an  efficacious source of the essential amino acid L-arginine for non-ruminant species. For supplemental L-arginine to be  as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.