Abstract
The feed additive is a mixture of sodium benzoate 140 g/kg, propionic acid 370 g/kg and sodium propionate 110 g/kg and is intended to be used as a preservative for cereals high with a high moisture content. The applicant has now resubmitted the studies already considered, seeking a reassessment of the data on efficacy for all cereals with a broad range of moisture content. The FEEDAP Panel concluded, on the basis of the evidence provided, that the additive is efficacious in preserving high‐moisture grains other than maize kernels at a minimum dose of 3 000 mg/kg cereal and maize kernels at a minimum dose of 13 000 mg/kg. For complete feed containing cereals with a moisture content greater than 12 %, the minimum effective dose is 5 000 mg/kg. The Panel also considered that the currently authorised maximum concentration for cereal grain of 22 000 mg/kg (equivalent to 10 000 mg/kg complete feed) should be retained for all cereals to preserve target animal safety. The FEEDAP Panel recognised that the effective dose of the additive depends largely on the initial moisture content of the cereal at harvest, the form (whole grain vs. ground) and the intended storage period. For this reason, the actual effective dose may lie between the minimum and maximum concentration authorised under present legislation.
Keywords: Technological additive, preservative, sodium benzoate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, efficacy, high‐moisture cereals
EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) ; Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of sodium benzoate, propionic acid and sodium propionate for pigs, poultry, bovines, sheep, goats, rabbits, horses. EFSA Journal 2012;10 (5):2681. [7 pp.] doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2681.
Panel members: Gabriele Aquilina, Georges Bories, Andrew Chesson, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, Joop de Knecht, Noël Albert Dierick, Mikolaj Antoni Gralak, Jürgen Gropp, Ingrid Halle, Christer Hogstrand, Reinhard Kroker, Lubomir Leng, Secundino López Puente, Anne‐Katrine Lundebye Haldorsen, Alberto Mantovani, Giovanna Martelli, Miklós Mézes, Derek Renshaw, Maria Saarela, Kristen Sejrsen and Johannes Westendorf
Correspondence: feedap@efsa.europa.eu
Acknowledgement: The Panel wishes to thank the members of the Working Group on Organic Acids, including Atte von Wright and Pieter Wester, for the preparatory work on this scientific opinion.
Adoption date: 24 April 2012
Published date: 16 May 2012
Question number: EFSA‐Q‐2012‐00309
On request from: European Commission
References
- EC (European Commission) , 2002, online. Opinion of the Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition on the use of Kofa®Grain pH5 (a mixture of sodium benzoate, propionic acid and sodium propionate) in feedingstuffs for pigs, cattle for fattening and dairy cows. Available from: ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scan/out84_en.pdf.
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