Skip to main content
EFSA Journal logoLink to EFSA Journal
. 2021 Dec 3;19(12):e06974. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6974

Assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Jilin Beisha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd)

EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Vasileios Bampidis, Giovanna Azimonti, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Henrik Christensen, Birgit Dusemund, Mojca Fašmon Durjava, Maryline Kouba, Marta López‐Alonso, Secundino López Puente, Francesca Marcon, Baltasar Mayo, Alena Pechová, Mariana Petkova, Fernando Ramos, Yolanda Sanz, Roberto Edoardo Villa, Ruud Woutersen, Georges Bories, Jürgen Gropp, Montserrat Anguita, Jaume Galobart, Orsolya Holczknecht, Jordi Tarrés‐Call, Paola Manini, Elisa Pettenati, Maria Vittoria Vettori, Fabiola Pizzo
PMCID: PMC8640925  PMID: 34900006

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) as a feed additive for all animal species. The applicant provided data demonstrating that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel confirms that the use of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate under the current authorised conditions of use is safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. No concern for user safety is expected from the use of the active substance; however, due to the lack of information, the FEEDAP Panel is not able to conclude on its skin sensitisation potential. To draw conclusions on the safety for the user of the final formulated additives, specific studies would be required. There is no need to assess the efficacy of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Keywords: all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate, vitamin E, renewal, nutritional additive, vitamins and pro‐vitamins, feed, safety

1. Introduction

1.1. Background and Terms of Reference as provided by the requestor

Regulation (EC) No 1831/20031 establishes the rules governing the Community authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. In particular, Article 14(1) of that Regulation lays down that an application for renewal shall be sent to the Commission at the latest one year before the expiry date of the authorisation.

The European Commission received a request from Jilin Beisha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd2 represented in the EU by Orffa Additives B.V. for renewal of the authorisation of the product all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), when used as a feed additive for all animal species (category: nutritional additives; functional group: vitamins, pro‐vitamins and chemically well‐defined substances having a similar effect).

According to Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, the Commission forwarded the application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as an application under Article 14(1) (renewal of the authorisation). EFSA received directly from the applicant the technical dossier in support of this application. The particulars and documents in support of the application were considered valid by EFSA as of 17 February 2021.

According to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, EFSA, after verifying the particulars and documents submitted by the applicant, shall undertake an assessment in order to determine whether the feed additive complies with the conditions laid down in Article 5. EFSA shall deliver an opinion on the safety for the target animals, consumer, user and the environment and on the efficacy of the product all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), when used under the proposed conditions of use (see Section 3.1.4).

1.2. Additional information

The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of vitamin E, in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate, RRR‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate and RRR‐alpha‐tocopherol, when used as a feed additive for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2010). In 2012, the FEEDAP Panel issued another opinion on the safety and efficacy of synthetic alpha‐tocopherol when used as a technological additive (antioxidant) for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012a) and another opinion on the safety and efficacy of tocopherol‐rich extracts of natural origin, tocopherol‐rich extracts of natural origin/delta‐rich, and synthetic tocopherol for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012b). In 2021, the FEEDAP Panel issued five opinions on vitamin E for the renewal of its autorisation (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2021a, 2021b, 2021c, 2021d, 2021e).

Vitamin E (3a700) in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate, RRR‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate and RRR‐alpha‐tocopherol is currently authorised as a nutritional additive for all animal species.3 Alpha‐tocopherol is also authorised for use as a technological additive (functional group: antioxidants) in feed for all animal species (1b307).4

All‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate is described in the European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 (PhEur), monograph 0439 (PhEur, 2020).

The Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) established a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E as 270 mg/day for adults and rounded to 300 mg/day (European Commission, 2003). The EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergy issued an opinion on dietary reference values for vitamin E as alpha‐tocopherol (EFSA NDA Panel, 2015). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (EFSA ANS Panel) issued an opinion on the evaluation of tocopherol‐rich extract (E 306), alpha‐tocopherol (E 307), γ‐tocopherol (E 308) and δ‐tocopherol (E 309) as food additives (EFSA ANS Panel, 2015).

Tocopherol‐rich extract (E 306), alpha‐tocopherol (E 307), γ‐tocopherol (E 308) and δ‐tocopherol (E 309) are authorised as food additives.5 Vitamin E is authorised for use in food for nutritional purposes,6 for use in cosmetics as an antioxidant7 and as a veterinary medicinal product.8 , 9

2. Data and methodologies

2.1. Data

The present assessment is based on data submitted by the applicant in the form of a technical dossier10 in support of the authorisation request for the use of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) as a feed additive.

The European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) considered that the conclusions and recommendations reached in the previous assessment are valid and applicable for the current application.11

2.2. Methodologies

The approach followed by the FEEDAP Panel to assess the safety and the efficacy of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) is in line with the principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 429/200812 and the relevant guidance document: Guidance on the renewal of the authorisation of feed additives (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013) and Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017).

3. Assessment

Vitamin E is currently authorised as a feed additive in the form of three active substances: all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate, RRR‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate and RRR‐alpha‐tocopherol. This assessment regards the renewal of the authorisation of vitamin E in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (> 93%), when used as a nutritional additive (functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well‐defined substances having a similar effect) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species.

3.1. Characterisation

3.1.1. Characterisation of the active substance

all‐rac‐alpha‐Tocopheryl acetate is identified with the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 7695‐91‐2, and it has a molecular formula C31H52O3.

all‐rac‐alpha‐Tocopheryl acetate consists of a clear, yellow or greenish‐yellow, viscous, oily liquid. It is practically odourless, practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in acetone, in anhydrous ethanol and in fatty oils.

The applicant stated that the manufacturing process and the composition of the additive have not been modified since the previous authorisation and data have been provided from recent batches on the composition of the additive to support this statement.

The applicant provided results on batch‐to‐batch variation on three recent batches of the active substance. The analysis showed that the content of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate ranged from 93.2% to 93.3% (mean: 93.2%)13 and demonstrated compliance with the existing specifications (purity criteria: > 93%).

Possible impurities listed in the European Pharmacopoeia were also measured in three batches, namely all‐rac‐trans‐2,3,4,6,7‐pentamethyl‐2‐(4,8,12‐trimethyltridecyl)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl acetate (impurity A, 0.22‐0.25%), all‐rac‐cis‐2,3,4,6,7‐pentamethyl‐2(4,8,12‐trimethyltridecyl)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐5‐yl acetate (impurity B, 1.15–1.2%); all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopherol (impurity C, 0.43–0.5%); 4‐methoxy‐2,3,6‐trimethyl‐5‐[(all‐RS,E)‐3,7,11,15‐tetramethylhexadec‐2 enyl] phenylacetate (impurity D), and (all‐RS, all‐E)‐2,6,10,14,19,23,27,31‐octamethyldotriaconta‐12,14,18‐triene (impurity E, 0.07% for the sum of impurities D and E).14 The detected amounts of impurities were below the limits specified in the European Pharmacopoeia monograph (PhEur, 2020).

Three batches of the active substance were also analysed for the presence of arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, fluorine and chromium.15 All the results were below the respective limits of quantification (LOQs).16

Based on the results obtained, no concerns are identified.

3.1.2. Characterisation of the formulated additive

According to the information provided by the applicant, all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate is placed on the market in powder form containing ≥ 50% all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate. The applicant submitted the typical formulation composition, specification and analyses of three batches showing compliance with the product specifications.17

The levels of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, n‐propyl acetate, methanol and propyl alcohol that can be present as residual solvents were measured in three batches of the formulated additive. All the results were below the respective limit of detection (LOD).18 , 19

Three batches of the formulated additive were tested for dusting potential (Stauber–Heubach). The average value of dust was 2.22 g/m3 (range: 2.04–2.41 g/m3).20 The particle size distribution of three batches of the additive was measured by laser diffraction;21 the analysis showed that around 98% of the particles measured from 100 to 1,000 µm, no particles were found below 10 µm.

3.1.3. Stability and homogeneity

Stability and the capacity for homogeneous distribution of the additive were evaluated by EFSA in a previous assessment (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2010). New data have been provided in the current application, and they are described below.

The applicant has submitted the results of two stability studies conducted on three batches of the final formulation of the additive (≥ 50% all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate) stored at 25°C and 60% relative humidity (RH) for 36 months22 or at 40°C and 75% RH for 6 months.23 All‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate is found to be stable in the additive preparation, being the average difference 0.2% in the first stability study (from 50.5% to 50.30%), and 1.1% in the second (from 51.5% to 50.4%).

The capacity for homogeneous distribution of the additive in compound feed (pre‐starter pig feed) was studied by analysing the contents alpha‐tocopheryl acetate in ten subsamples of the feed.24 The coefficient of variation (CV) was 0.79%.

3.1.4. Conditions of use

All‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E, purity > 93%) is currently authorised for use in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species without a maximum content.

The authorisation, under other provisions, foresees:

  • 1

    If vitamin E content is mentioned in the labelling, the following equivalencies for the units of measurement of the contents shall be used:

  • 1 mg all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate = 1 IU

  • 1 mg RRR‐alpha‐tocopherol = 1.49 IU

  • 1 mg RRR‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate = 1.36 IU

  • 2

    Vitamin E may be used also via water for drinking

The applicant proposes to keep the same conditions of use as authorised.

3.2. Safety

The safety of the vitamin E in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate for the target species, consumer, user and the environment was evaluated in a previous opinion (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2010). The FEEDAP Panel concluded that ‘vitamin E at the current use levels is safe for all animal species. Information on hypervitaminosis E is not sufficiently consistent to derive a maximum content for vitamin E in feedingstuffs, based on safety for target species. The Panel also concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive raises no concern for consumer safety or for the environment. Concerning the safety for the user, no irritating effects were observed when all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate was tested for dermal and ocular irritation. Sensitisation studies were not provided. The Panel concluded that ‘no concern for user safety is expected from the use of the active substances vitamin E in feed additives. However, to draw conclusions on the final formulated additives, specific studies would be required’.

The applicant carried out three structured literature searches: one on the safety for the user,25 one on the safety for the target species, the consumer and the environment26 and one additional literature research on the safety for the consumer.27 The three searches were conducted using different database platforms: Medline/PubMed, CAB abstracts (via Ovid), Pubchem, Google Scholar.

The search was limited to information available since 2009 until 2021. The main keywords used were inhalation toxicity, skin and eyes irritation, skin sensitisation/skin sensitization, safety, animal, toxicity, consumer safety, intake, environment, environmental safety, vitamin E, tocopherol, all‐rac‐alpha tocopheryl acetate, vitamin E acetate, diet(s), pig(s), chicken‐poultry, milk‐dairy, beef, shrimp‐fish‐seafood. A detailed description of the iterations used and the inclusion/exclusion criteria applied for the selection were provided.

The applicant identified 50 papers which were considered relevant for the assessment of the safety of vitamin E. None of the papers identified a safety concern for the target species, the user or the environment, but three of them were considered relevant for the assessment of the consumer exposure.

3.2.1. Reassessment of the consumer exposure

In the previous FEEDAP Panel opinion (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2010), a ‘worst‐case scenario’ exposure assessment for the consumer, based on the consumption model described in Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 and on data from literature on vitamin E content in edible tissues and products from animals treated with vitamin E at levels far higher than the practical use (1,000 mg/kg feed), indicated that the theoretical exposure of consumers amounted to about 45% of the UL (300 mg alpha‐tocopherol equivalents/day).

In the current assessment, the FEEDAP Panel performed an updated exposure assessment following the methodology described in the Guidance on consumer safety (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017) (Appendix A). Based on the literature search provided by the applicant, the Panel identified three relevant papers (Ouraji et al., 2011; Song et al., 2014; Kidane et al., 2015)28 with new residue data not available at the time of the previous assessment. In addition, the Panel opted to use more realistic feed supplementation figures (i.e. 100 mg/kg feed instead of 1,000 mg/kg) also from the studies already assessed in the previous opinion. When data were available for the same species and food items at the same supplementation concentration, the highest value was considered. The input data used are reported in Table 1.

Table 1.

Input data on vitamin E content in food of animal origin used for the consumer exposure assessment

Animal products mg vitamin E/kg wet tissue/products Reference
Birds fat (skin/fat) 12* (24) Sunder and Flachowsky (2001)
Birds liver 17 Sunder and Flachowsky (2001)
Birds meat 8 Sunder and Flachowsky (2001)
Fish 135 Tocher et al. (2002)
Mammals fat tissue 2.3* (4.6) Yang et al. (2009)
Mammals liver 4.6 Yang et al. (2009)
Mammals meat 9 Song et al. (2014)
Mammals offals and slaughtering products (other than liver) 2.7 Yang et al. (2009)
Milk 1.5 Kidane et al. (2015)
Seafood 8 Ouraji et al. (2011)
Eggs 68 Sunder and Flachowsky (2001)

No data were retrieved for the following food categories: ‘Birds offals and slaughtering products (other than liver)’ and ‘honey’. However, it is expected that the contribution of these food categories to the overall exposure would be limited.

*

: The original value (in parenthesis) was divided by 2 to take into consideration the ratio skin/fat.

: Paper used in EFSA FEEDAP Panel (2010).

The results of the dietary exposure to vitamin E for the different population categories are reported in Table 2.

Table 2.

Chronic human dietary exposure to vitamin E

Population category Maximum HRP* (mg/kg/bw per day) Default body weight (kg) (EFSA Scientific Committee, 2012) Exposure (mg/day) UL (mg/day) (European Commission, 2003) % UL
Infants 0.43 5 2.15
Toddlers 0.95 12 11.4 100 11.4
Other children 0.8 23 18.4 120 15.3
Adolescents 0.49 52.4** 25.6 260 9.8
Adults 0.41 70 28.7 300 9.5
Elderly 0.37 70 25.9
Very elderly 0.33 70 23.1
*

: HRP: maximum highest reliable percentile.

: UL: Tolerable upper level.

**

: (average of 43.4 and 61.3 kg).

In 2003, the SCF established an UL for vitamin E for adults as 300 mg/day (European Commission, 2003), based on the body weight (bw), the UL for children (1–3 years) and adolescents was set at 100 mg/day and 260 mg/day, respectively. To compare the vitamin E dietary exposure calculation to the UL, the FEEDAP Panel used the highest reliable percentile (HRP) for the different population categories and converted it from mg/kg bw per day into mg/person per day using the default bw values (EFSA Scientific Committee, 2012). The contribution to the consumer exposure to vitamin E from products of animals fed with the additive ranged from 9.5% to 15.3% of the ULs (Table 2).

For the population groups infants and elderly as well as very elderly, no UL was established by the SCF. However, the FEEDAP Panel assumes that the exposure would still be in the same relation to the UL as for the other population categories.

The FEEDAP Panel concludes that there is no safety concern for the consumer resulting from the intake of food from all animal species fed with vitamin E in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate under the conditions of the existing authorisation.

3.2.2. Conclusions on safety

Based on the above and the fact that the manufacturing process, the composition of the additive and the conditions of use for the species/categories for which the additive is authorised have not been modified, the Panel considers that there is no evidence to reconsider the conclusions reached in previous assessment. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that vitamin E in the form of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate remains safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment under the conditions of use currently authorised. No concern for user safety is expected from the use of the active substance; however, due to the lack of information, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on its skin sensitisation potential. To draw conclusions on the safety for the user of the final formulated additives, specific studies would be required.

3.3. Efficacy

The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive. Therefore, there is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

3.4. Post‐market monitoring

The FEEDAP Panel considers that there is no need for specific requirements for a post‐market monitoring plan other than those established in the Feed Hygiene Regulation29 and Good Manufacturing Practice.

4. Conclusions

The applicant has provided data demonstrating that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation.

The FEEDAP Panel concludes that all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) remains safe for all the animal species, for the consumers and the environment under the conditions of use currently authorised. No concern for user safety is expected from the use of the active substance; however, due to the lack of information, the FEEDAP Panel is not able to conclude on its skin sensitisation potential. To draw conclusions on the safety for the user of the final formulated additives, specific studies would be required.

There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

5. Documentation as provided to EFSA/Chronology

Date Event
24/11/2020 Dossier received by EFSA. Vitamin E/all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate for all animal species. Submitted by Orffa Additives B.V. on behalf of Jilin Beisha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
30/11/2020 Reception mandate from the European Commission
17/02/2021 Application validated by EFSA – Start of the scientific assessment
03/03/2021 Request of supplementary information to the applicant in line with Article 8(1)(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 – Scientific assessment suspended. Issues: characterisation and safety
08/04/2021 Reception of supplementary information from the applicant ‐ Scientific assessment re‐started
18/05/2021 Comments received from Member States
31/05/2021 Request of supplementary information to the applicant in line with Article 8(1)(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 – Scientific assessment suspended. Issues: characterisation and safety
23/06/2021 Reception of supplementary information from the applicant ‐ Scientific assessment re‐started
10/11/2021 Opinion adopted by the FEEDAP Panel. End of the Scientific assessment

Abbreviations

bw

body weight

CAS

Chemical Abstract Service

CV

coefficient of variation

EURL

European Union Reference Laboratory

HRP

highest reliable percentile

IU

International Unit

LOD

limit of detection

LOQ

Limit of quantification

PhEur

European Pharmacopeia

RAC

raw agricultural commodities

SCF

Scientific Committee for Food

UL

upper level

Appendix A – Calculation of consumer exposure with FACE model

Methodology

As described in the Guidance on the safety of feed additives for consumers (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017), consumption data of edible tissues and products as derived from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database (Comprehensive Database) will be used to assess exposure to residues from the use of feed additives in different EU countries, age classes30 and special population groups. For each EU country and age class, only the latest survey available in the Comprehensive Database will be used.

While the residue data reported for feed additives refer to organs and tissues (raw agricultural commodities (RAC)), the Comprehensive Database includes consumption data for foods as consumed. In order to match those consumption data with the available residue data for feed additives, the consumption data reported in the Comprehensive Database have been converted into RAC equivalents. For assessing the exposure to vitamin E from their use in (non‐reproductive) poultry, the following list of commodities is considered: meat, fat, liver, other offals (including kidney).

Depending on the nature of the health‐based guidance derived, either a chronic or acute exposure assessment may be required.

For chronic exposure assessments, the total relevant residues will be combined for each individual with the average daily consumptions of the corresponding food commodities, and the resulting exposures per food will be summed in order to obtain total chronic exposure at individual level (standardised by using the individual body weight). The mean and the higher percentile (usually the 95th percentile) of the individual exposures will be subsequently calculated for each dietary survey (country) and each age class separately.

As opposed to the chronic exposure assessments, acute exposure calculation will be carried out for each RAC value separately. The higher percentile (usually the 95th percentile) exposures based on the consuming days only will be calculated for each food commodity, dietary survey and age class separately.

Appendix B – Detailed results on chronic exposure calculation

Chronic dietary exposure per population class, country and survey (mg/kg bw per day) of consumers to vitamin E based on residue data.

Table B.1: Chronic dietary exposure per population class, country and survey (mg/kg bw per day) of consumers to vitamin E based on residue data

Population class Survey's country Number of subjects HRP value HRP description
Infants Bulgaria 523 0.4307512765 95th
Infants Germany 142 0.2187406332 95th
Infants Denmark 799 0.3643741241 95th
Infants Finland 427 0.1893018911 95th
Infants United Kingdom 1,251 0.4385794945 95th
Infants Italy 9 0.0636808234 50th
Toddlers Belgium 36 0.3630401581 90th
Toddlers Bulgaria 428 0.7009082960 95th
Toddlers Germany 348 0.4116913805 95th
Toddlers Denmark 917 0.4067212385 95th
Toddlers Spain 17 0.5399953486 75th
Toddlers Finland 500 0.5026258459 95th
Toddlers United Kingdom 1,314 0.5576633660 95th
Toddlers United Kingdom 185 0.5139483784 95th
Toddlers Italy 36 0.9509516529 90th
Toddlers Netherlands 322 0.4029951191 95th
Other children Austria 128 0.5204588196 95th
Other children Belgium 625 0.4858161922 95th
Other children Bulgaria 433 0.6389241335 95th
Other children Czech Republic 389 0.5663914191 95th
Other children Germany 293 0.3991452721 95th
Other children Germany 835 0.4018474802 95th
Other children Denmark 298 0.4190325702 95th
Other children Spain 399 0.7639502309 95th
Other children Spain 156 0.8033340849 95th
Other children Finland 750 0.4873081000 95th
Other children France 482 0.4983838298 95th
Other children United Kingdom 651 0.4063760054 95th
Other children Greece 838 0.5747174989 95th
Other children Italy 193 0.7088970815 95th
Other children Latvia 187 0.3495764652 95th
Other children Netherlands 957 0.3691574625 95th
Other children Netherlands 447 0.3102352691 95th
Other children Sweden 1,473 0.4331044897 95th
Adolescents Austria 237 0.2967982330 95th
Adolescents Belgium 576 0.2148765628 95th
Adolescents Cyprus 303 0.2428191588 95th
Adolescents Czech Republic 298 0.3945966400 95th
Adolescents Germany 393 0.2973475130 95th
Adolescents Germany 1,011 0.1789520701 95th
Adolescents Denmark 377 0.1906919355 95th
Adolescents Spain 651 0.4507975970 95th
Adolescents Spain 209 0.4999138582 95th
Adolescents Spain 86 0.3403338670 95th
Adolescents Finland 306 0.2437208440 95th
Adolescents France 973 0.2847918189 95th
Adolescents United Kingdom 666 0.2257091976 95th
Adolescents Italy 247 0.3393086625 95th
Adolescents Latvia 453 0.2567828328 95th
Adolescents Netherlands 1,142 0.2200749334 95th
Adolescents Sweden 1,018 0.2788554025 95th
Adults Austria 308 0.2577812148 95th
Adults Belgium 1,292 0.2357205935 95th
Adults Czech Republic 1,666 0.2642757492 95th
Adults Germany 10,419 0.2312981689 95th
Adults Denmark 1,739 0.1588249466 95th
Adults Spain 981 0.4108790208 95th
Adults Spain 410 0.3801787696 95th
Adults Finland 1,295 0.2884024962 95th
Adults France 2,276 0.2223089799 95th
Adults United Kingdom 1,265 0.2145990136 95th
Adults Hungary 1,074 0.1946949122 95th
Adults Ireland 1,274 0.2254313550 95th
Adults Italy 2,313 0.2726351382 95th
Adults Latvia 1,271 0.2675406839 95th
Adults Netherlands 2,055 0.2136426705 95th
Adults Romania 1,254 0.2412836201 95th
Adults Sweden 1,430 0.3297923301 95th
Elderly Austria 67 0.2556848549 95th
Elderly Belgium 511 0.2491690524 95th
Elderly Germany 2,006 0.2469505979 95th
Elderly Denmark 274 0.1814049292 95th
Elderly Finland 413 0.2955716066 95th
Elderly France 264 0.2307550410 95th
Elderly United Kingdom 166 0.2317731638 95th
Elderly Hungary 206 0.1518530414 95th
Elderly Ireland 149 0.2538258532 95th
Elderly Italy 289 0.2699101855 95th
Elderly Netherlands 173 0.2728336915 95th
Elderly Netherlands 289 0.2448166029 95th
Elderly Romania 83 0.2526038943 95th
Elderly Sweden 295 0.3708740714 95th
Very elderly Austria 25 0.0960991456 75th
Very elderly Belgium 704 0.2537964585 95th
Very elderly Germany 490 0.2460313267 95th
Very elderly Denmark 12 0.1553462252 75th
Very elderly France 84 0.2051944623 95th
Very elderly United Kingdom 139 0.2370715240 95th
Very elderly Hungary 80 0.1394129042 95th
Very elderly Ireland 77 0.2231317175 95th
Very elderly Italy 228 0.2257162465 95th
Very elderly Netherlands 450 0.2449734615 95th
Very elderly Romania 45 0.1976181874 90th
Very elderly Sweden 72 0.3373048154 95th

HRP: highest reliable percentile; bw: body weight.

Suggested citation: EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives, Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Dusemund B, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López‐Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F, Sanz Y, Edoardo Villa R, Woutersen R, Bories G, Gropp J, Anguita M, Galobart J, Holczknecht O, Tarrés‐Call J, Manini P, Pettenati E, Vittoria Vettori M and Pizzo F, 2021. Scientific Opinion on the Assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Jilin Beisha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd). EFSA Journal 2021;19(12):6974, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6974

Requestor: European Commission

Question number: EFSA‐Q‐2020‐00841

Panel members: Giovanna Azimonti, Vasileios Bampidis, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Henrik Christensen, Birgit Dusemund, Mojca Fašmon Durjava, Maryline Kouba, Marta López‐Alonso, Secundino López Puente, Francesca Marcon, Baltasar Mayo, Alena Pechová, Mariana Petkova, Fernando Ramos, Yolanda Sanz, Roberto Edoardo Villa and Ruud Woutersen.

Declarations of interest: The declarations of interest of all scientific experts active in EFSA’s work are available at https://ess.efsa.europa.eu/doi/doiweb/doisearch.

Acknowledgments: The Panel wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Daniel Pagés Plaza to this opinion.

Adopted: 10 November 2021

Note

1

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition. OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

2

Jilin Beisha Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, represented in the EU by Orffa Additives B.V. Vierlinghstraat 51, Werkendam (The Netherlands).

3

Commission Regulation (EU) No 26/2011 of 14 January 2011 concerning the authorisation of vitamin E as a feed additive for all animal species, OJ L 11, 15.1.2011, p. 18–21.

4

Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1152 of 14 July 2015 concerning the authorisation of tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils, tocopherol‐rich extracts from vegetable oils (delta rich) and alpha‐tocopherol as feed additives for all animal species. OJ L 187, 15.7.2015, p. 5.

5

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 of 9 March 2012 laying down specifications for food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council Text with EEA relevance. OJ L 83, 22.3.2012.

6

Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009, OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 35.

7

Commission Decision of 9 February 2006 amending Decision 96/335/EC establishing an inventory and a common nomenclature of ingredients employed in cosmetic products (2006/257/EC). OJ L 97, 5.4.2006, p. 1.

8

Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 of 22 December 2009 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin. OJ L 15, 20.1.2010, p. 1.

9

Commission Regulation (EC) No 997/1999 of 11 May 1999 amending Annexes I, II and III of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin. OJ L 122, 12.5.1999, p. 24.

10

FEED dossier reference: FAD‐2020‐0097.

11

The full report is available on the EURL website: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/sites/jrcsh/files/FinRep‐FAD‐2008‐0047.pdf

12

Commission Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 of 25 April 2008 on detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the preparation and the presentation of applications and the assessment and the authorisation of feed additives. OJ L 133, 22.5.2008, p. 1.

13

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_01.

14

Technical dossier/Section II/Supplementary Information (June 2021)/Annex_A

15

Technical dossier/Section II/Supplementary Information (April 2021)/Annex_A.

16

Arsenic (0.01 mg/kg), lead (2 mg/kg), cadmium (0.1 mg/kg), mercury (0.01 mg/kg), fluorine (3 mg/kg) and chromium (1 mg/kg)

17

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_03‐05.

18

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_07.

19

Ethanol (10 mg/kg), iso‐propyl alcohol (5 mg/kg), acetone (5 mg/kg), n‐propyl acetate (5 mg/kg), methanol (20 mg/kg) and propyl alcohol (5 mg/kg).

20

Technical dossier/Section II/ Annex_II_09.

21

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_08.

22

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_20.

23

Technical dossier/Section II/Annex_II_21.

24

Technical dossier/Section III/Annex_II_22.

25

Technical dossier/Section III/Annex_III/2‐3.

26

Technical dossier/Section III/Supplementary Information (April 2021)/Annex_B‐C.

27

Technical dossier/Section II/Supplementary Information (June 2021)/Annex_B.

28

Technical dossier/Section II/Supplementary Information (June 2021)/References Literature review.

29

Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene. OJ L 35, 8.2.2005, p. 1.

30

Infants: < 12 months old, toddlers: ≥ 12 months to < 36 months old, other children: ≥ 36 months to < 10 years old, adolescents: ≥ 10 years to < 18 years old, adults: ≥ 18 years to < 65 years old, elderly: ≥ 65 years to < 75 years old, and very elderly: ≥ 75 years old.

References

  1. EFSA ANS Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food) , 2015. Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of tocopherol‐rich extract (E 306), α‐tocopherol (E 307), γ‐tocopherol (E 308) and δ‐tocopherol (E 309) as food additives. EFSA Journal 2015;13(9):4247, 118 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4247 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  2. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2010. Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of vitamin E as a feed additive for all animal species. EFSA Journal 2010;8(6):1635, 28 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1635 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  3. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2012a. Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of synthetic alpha‐tocopherol for all animal species. EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2784, 10 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2784 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  4. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2012b. Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of tocopherol‐rich extracts of natural origin, tocopherol‐rich extracts of natural origin/delta‐rich, synthetic tocopherol for all animal species. EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2783, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2783 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  5. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2013. Guidance on the renewal of the authorisation of feed additives. EFSA Journal 2013;11(10):3431, 8 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3431 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  6. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2021a. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (EUROPE‐ASIA Import Export GmbH). EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6530, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6530 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2021b. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (NHU Europe GmbH). EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6533, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6533 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2021c. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of a feed additive consisting of RRR‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Specialty Ingredients (Europe) B.V. and Vitae Caps S.A.). EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6532, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6532 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2021d. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (BASF SE). EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6531, 15 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6531 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , 2021e. Scientific Opinion on the assessment of a feed additive consisting of all‐rac‐alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (DSM). EFSA Journal 2021;19(4):6529, 14 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6529 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  11. EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) , Rychen G, Aquilina G, Azimonti G, Bampidis V, Bastos MDL, Bories G, Chesson A, Cocconcelli PS, Flachowsky G, Gropp J, Kolar B, Kouba M, López‐Alonso M, López Puente S, Mantovani A, Mayo B, Ramos F, Saarela M, Villa RE, Wallace RJ, Wester P, Anguita M, Dujardin B, Galobart J and Innocenti ML, 2017. Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer. EFSA Journal 2017;15(10):5022, 17 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5022 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  12. EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2015. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4149, 72 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4149 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  13. EFSA Scientific Committee , 2012. Guidance on selected default values to be used by the EFSA Scientific Committee, Scientific Panels and Units in the absence of actual measured data. EFSA Journal 2012;10(3):2579, 32 pp. 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2579 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  14. EMA (European Medicines Agency) , 2010. VICH GL 18 residual solvents in new veterinary medicinal products, active substances and excipients, revision. Available online: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2010/06/WC500091533.pdf
  15. European Commission , 2003. Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of vitamin E. SCF/CS/NUT/UPPLEV/39 Final, 10 pp.
  16. Kidane A, Nesheim L, Larsen HJS, Thuen E, Jensen SK and Steinshamn H, 2015. Effects of supplementing mid‐lactation dairy cows with seaweed and vitamin E on plasma and milk α‐tocopherol and antibody response to immunization. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 153, 929–942. [Google Scholar]
  17. Ouraji H, Abedian Kenari AM, Shabanpour B, Shabani A, Sodagar M, Jafarpour SA and Ebrahimi GH, 2011. Growth, survival, and fatty acid composition of Indian white shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus (Milne Edwards) fed diets containing different levels of vitamin E and lipid. Aquaculture International, 19, 903–916. [Google Scholar]
  18. PhEur (European Pharmacopoeia) , 2020. All‐rac‐a‐Tocopheryl acetate. Monograph (MG) 07/2011:0439. 10th Edition. Strasbourg, France. Council of Europe (COE) – European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines.
  19. Song R, Chen C, Johnston LJ, Kerr BJ, Weber TE and Shurson GC, 2014. Effects of feeding diets containing highly peroxidized distillers dried grains with solubles and increasing vitamin E levels to wean ‐finish pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat composition. Journal of Animal Science, 92, 198–210. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Sunder A and Flachowsky G, 2001. Influence of high vitamin E dosages on retinol and carotenoid concentration in body tissues and eggs of laying hens. Archives of Animal Nutrition, 55, 43–53. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Tocher DR, Mourente G, Van der Eecken A, Evjemo JO, Diaz E, Bell JG, Geurden I, Lavens P and Olsen Y, 2002. Effects of dietary vitamin E on antioxidant defence mechanisms of juvenile turbot (Scopthalmus maximus L.), halibut (Hippoglossus ippoglossus L.) and sea bream (Sparus aurata L.). Aquaculture Nutrition, 8, 195–207. [Google Scholar]
  22. Yang H, Mahan DC, Hill DA, Shipp TE, Radke TR and Cecava MJ, 2009. Effect of Vitamin E sources, natural versus synthetic, and levels on serum and tissue alpha‐tocopherol concentration in finishing swine. Journal of Animal Science, 87, 4057–4063. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from EFSA Journal are provided here courtesy of Wiley

RESOURCES