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Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the additive consisting of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 when used as technological additive (hygiene condition enhancer) in feed for all animal species. The product is intended for use in dry feeds at a minimum inclusion level of 1 × 108 colony forming unit (CFU)/kg complete feedingstuff. The bacterial species Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely and the product should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 when used in animal nutrition as hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. Bacillus subtilis DSM 32325 is compatible with diclazuril, decoquinate and halofuginone. The data provided do not allow to conclude on the compatibility of the additive with monensin sodium, salinomycin sodium, narasin, robenidine hydrochloride and maduramicin ammonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the additive consisting of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 when used as technological additive (acidity regulator) in dry feed at a minimum inclusion level of 2 9 109 colonyforming units (CFU)/kg and in complete or complementary liquid feed for all animal species at a minimum concentration of 1 9 109 CFU/L. No minimum concentration is proposed by the applicant when used in combination with other microbial technological additives. The bacterial species P. freudenreichii is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target animals, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the additive, but it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely. No conclusions could be drawn on the efficacy of the additive when used alone as an acidity regulator in feed due to lack of data. The studies provided showed that P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 when used in combination with Ligilactobacillus animalis ATCC PTA-6750 has the potential to act as an acidity regulator. However, the Panel has reservations on the effects of this mixture in practical use conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the additive consisting of Ligilactobacillus animalis (formerly known as Lactobacillus animalis) ATCC PTA-6750 when used as a technological additive (acidity regulator, preservative and hygiene condition enhancer) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is intended for use as a single strain at a minimum inclusion level of 5 9 106 CFU/L or CFU/kg in water, liquid and dry feeds. No minimum inclusion level is proposed by the applicant when used in combination with other microbial technological additives. The bacterial species L. animalis is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the product, but it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of L. animalis ATCC PTA-6750 when used in animal nutrition as an acidity regulator, preservative or hygiene condition enhancer due to lack of data. The studies provided showed that L. animalis ATCC PTA-6750 when used in combination with Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 has the potential to act as an acidity regulator. However, the Panel has reservations on the effects of this mixture in practical use conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of manganese chelate of ethylenediamine (Manganese-EDA-Cl) as feed additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) identified several issues related to the data provided concerning the chemical characteristics of the additive. Based on the information provided, the FEEDAP Panel considered unlikely that the additive consists only of manganese mono-chelate of EDA, but of several coexisting (manganese) species; therefore, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to confirm the identity of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel could not evaluate the safety for target species, consumer and environment and the efficacy of the additive owing to the uncertainties and limitations identified in the studies submitted. Concerning the safety of the additive for the users, the Panel considered that handling the additive poses a risk to users by inhalation. The additive should be considered as corrosive to eyes and a skin sensitiser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the coccidiostat NilablendTM 200G containing lasalocid A sodium and nicarbazin. NilablendTM 200G is not safe for chickens for fattening at the proposed maximum use level of 50 mg lasalocid A sodium + 50 mg nicarbazin/kg complete feed. Concurrent administration of NilablendTM 200G (containing lasalocid A sodium) with tiamulin and certain other medicinal substances should be avoided. Lasalocid A sodium has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial species while many Enterobacteriaceae are naturally resistant. Induction of resistance and/or cross-resistance was not observed in experimental conditions. No information on the interactions of nicarbazin with feed materials, other approved additives or medicinal products have been provided. No data were submitted on the microbiological safety of nicarbazin. The toxicological package for lasalocid A sodium and nicarbazin identified no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) that could be the basis for setting health-based guidance values (e.g. an acceptable daily intake (ADI)). The Panel concluded that a concern for the genotoxicity of nicarbazin in NilablendTM 200G cannot be excluded and that clarification on the mechanism of action of the test items would be needed. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to establish an ADI for DNC on which to base the assessment of consumer safety. NilablendTM 200G is considered toxic by inhalation, corrosive and irritant to eyes, slightly irritant to the skin but not a skin sensitiser. Inhalation exposure is considered a risk to persons handling the additive. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of NilablendTM 200G for the environment due to a possible risk for aquatic compartment (freshwater) for DNC. The efficacy of Nilablend® 200G was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the feed additive Vitamin B2/Riboflavin produced by Eremothecium ashbyi CCTCCM 2019833 for all animal species and categories. The additive contains a minimum content of riboflavin of 5%. The production strain has been characterised and data showed that viable cells are not present in the final additive. The additive is not a skin or eye irritant nor a skin sensitiser, but it is considered to be a respiratory sensitiser. The lack of data on the toxicological profile of the additive, including its genotoxic potential, did not allow the Panel to conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species, consumers and users. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive poses no concerns for the environment. The additive under assessment is effective in covering the animals’ requirements for vitamin B2 when administered via feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Belfeed B MP/ML as a feed additive for sows in order to have benefits in piglets. The additive is to be used in to sows in order to have benefits in piglets and to all porcine species at any developmental stage at 10 IU/kg feed. This additive consists of endo-1,4-β-xylanase produced by a genetically modified strain of Bacillus subtilis (LMG S-15136). In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive for the users regarding the potential of the additive as dermal sensitiser and on the efficacy of the additive when added to feed for sows in order to have benefits in piglets. In the absence of new information, the FEEDAP Panel retained its previous conclusion that the additive is not irritant to skin or eyes but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions could be drawn on its potential to be a dermal sensitiser. The applicant provided new efficacy data and complementary information regarding a previous study. Based on the previously assessed data and the newly submitted ones, the Panel concludes that although the additive has a potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in sows during the lactation period at the level of 10 IU/kg feed, the data are considered not sufficient to conclude on a beneficial effect on the performance of the litters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of muramidase produced by Trichoderma reesei DSM 32338 (BalanciusTM) as a feed additive for weaned piglets. The additive has been previously assessed by the FEEDAP Panel in the context of other applications, and in the current assessment the applicant requests for an extension of use. Based on the data available in a sub-chronic oral toxicity study, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for weaned piglets at the maximum recommended level of 65,000 LSU(F)/kg feed. The additive is safe for the consumers and the environment but should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. The Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive for skin/eye irritancy and skin sensitisation. The additive has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for weaned piglets at the dose of 50,000 LSU(F)/kg feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feed additive under assessment (trade name: Miya-Gold® S) is based on viable spores of Clostridium butyricum FERM BP-2789. It is authorised for use in minor avian species (excluding laying birds), weaned piglets and minor weaned porcine species, chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening and turkeys reared for breeding. This opinion concerns the request for renewal of the authorisation of Miya-Gold® S for the species/categories for which an authorisation exists, the use in chickens for fattening, for which the previous authorisation had expired, and the extension of use to suckling piglets and suckling minor porcine species. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of authorisation. There is no new evidence that would lead the Panel to reconsider previous conclusions that Miya-Gold® S remains safe for the animal species/categories, the consumer and the environment under the current and previously authorised conditions of use. This conclusion applies also to the new target species for which a request of use is made. Regarding the safety for the user, the Panel concluded that the additive is not irritant to skin and eyes and that sensitisation via respiratory route cannot be excluded. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of Miya-Gold® S in the context of the renewal of the authorisation in chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening and reared for breeding, minor avian species (excluding laying birds), weaned piglets and weaned minor porcine species. The additive has the potential to be efficacious in chickens for fattening, suckling piglets and suckling minor porcine species at the level of 2.5 9 108 CFU/kg complete feedingstuff. Miya-Gold® S is compatible with decoquinate, diclazuril, lasalocid, maduramicin ammonium, narasin, narasin/nicarbazin, monensin sodium, robenidine, salinomycin sodium and semduramicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 28710 (trade name: B-Act®) when used in feed for laying hens, minor poultry species for laying and for breeding purposes and ornamental birds. B. licheniformis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established, and it does not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes or has toxigenic potential. Following the QPS approach, B. licheniformis DSM 28710 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, B-Act® is also considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritation or skin sensitisation potential of the additive, but B-Act® is considered a respiratory sensitiser. B-Act® when supplemented at 1.6 9 109 CFU/kg complete feed has the potential to be efficacious in laying hens. Considering also that the efficacy of the product was already shown in chickens and turkeys for fattening, the Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in minor poultry species for laying, poultry species for breeding purposes and for ornamental birds at the same inclusion level. The conclusions on the compatibility of B-Act® with coccidiostats previously drawn apply to the current application provided that the maximum authorised concentrations of the coccidiostats for the target species are equal or lower than those for chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 safety and efficacy of the seed husk of Plantago ovata Forssk. when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. The additive is described as a mixture of mucopolysaccharides and specification is given as swelling index ≥ 40, which is considered as the marker parameter. Since the composition of the additive remained uncharacterised, and considering the limitations in the toxicological data set, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety for the target species. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. In the absence of evidence that the additive acts as a flavour in animal feed or has an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 safety and efficacy of dried extract from Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb. (Garcinia extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. Garcinia extract is specified to contain at least 60% hydroxycitric acid. Since about 25% of the composition of the extract remained uncharacterised and in the absence of complete toxicological data, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety for cats and dogs. In the absence of adequate data, no conclusions can be on the safety for the user. In the absence of evidence that the extract acts as a flavour in animal feed or has an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on L-histidine monohydrochloride (HCl) monohydrate produced by fermentation using Escherichia coli KCCM 80212 when used as a nutritional additive in feed for all animal species. The production strain is genetically modified. The production strain and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the final product. LHistidine HCl monohydrate manufactured by fermentation using E. coli KCCM 80212 does not give rise to any safety concern regarding the genetic modification. The use of L-histidine HCl monohydrate produced by fermentation using E. coli KCCM 80212 is safe for the target species when used as a nutritional additive to supplement the diet in appropriate amounts to cover the requirements, depending on the species, the physiological state of the animal, the performance level, the environmental conditions, the background amino acid composition of the unsupplemented diet and the status of some essential trace elements such as copper and zinc. L-Histidine HCl monohydrate produced using E. coli KCCM 80212 supplemented at levels appropriate for the requirements of the target species is considered safe for the consumer. L-Histidine HCl monohydrate produced by E. coli KCCM 80212 is a skin sensitiser. There is a risk for persons handling the additive from the exposure to endotoxins by inhalation. The additive under assessment is not irritant to skin or eyes. The use of Lhistidine HCl monohydrate produced using E. coli KCCM 80212 in animal nutrition is not expected to represent a risk to the environment. L-Histidine HCl monohydrate is considered an efficacious source of the essential amino acid L-histidine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental L-histidine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrase P is available in powder, granulated, thermostable granulate and liquid forms. It is based on a 6-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of K. phaffii. The production strain contains four copies of the ampicillin resistance gene and one copy of a bleomycin resistance gene. Although Nutrase PTS 10,000 (thermostable granulate) and Nutrase PG 10,000 (granulate) do not raise concern regarding the presence of viable cells of the production strain and its recombinant DNA, uncertainties remain on the presence of viable cells and DNA of the production strain in Nutrase PL 10,000 (liquid) and Nutrase PD 100,000 (powder). The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of the additive, in any form, for the target species for which application is made due to major limitations in the study in chickens for fattening provided. Considering the production strain and the results obtained in the genotoxicity studies, the Panel concludes that additive does not pose a toxicological safety concern regarding the consumers of the products obtained from animals receiving the additive. The additive, in its all formulations, is not a skin or eye irritant and is not dermal sensitiser. However, owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The active substance of the additive is a protein and as such would not raise concerns for the environment. Considering that the production strain harbours AMR genes and there is uncertainties regarding the presence of viable cells and DNA of the production strain in Nutrase PL 10,000 (liquid) and Nutrase PD 100,000 (powder), the Panel cannot conclude on the safety of these two formulations of the additive for the target species, consumer, user and environment. Owing to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the application for renewal of authorisation of manganese chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine (Mintrex®Mn) for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel has delivered three opinions (in 2008, 2009 and 2010) on the safety and efficacy of the additive. The additive was authorised in 2010 as 'Manganese chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine' containing 15.5 17% manganese, 77 78% (2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (DL-Methionine Hydroxy Analogue, HMTBa) and maximum 1% mineral oil. Following some modifications in the manufacturing process the additive does not contain mineral oil and the applicant proposes the following specifications: ≥ 14% manganese and ≥ 76% HMTBa. The data provided indicate that the additive complies with the new specifications. No new evidence was found that would make the FEEDAP Panel reconsidering its previous conclusions on the safety for target species, consumers and environment. The applicant provided new studies on the effects of the additive on the respiratory tract and on skin and eyes. Data on the characterisation of the additive and the new studies on skin/eyes led the Panel to reconsider the safety for the user. Owing to the manganese and nickel content of Mintrex®Mn, the handling of the additive poses a risk to users by inhalation; the additive is not a skin or eye irritant but is considered as a skin sensitiser. The present application did 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 was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on L-valine produced by fermentation using a non-genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (CGMCC 7.358). The additive is intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The production strain meets the qualifications for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment and is considered safe. L-Valine produced using C. glutamicum CGMCC 7.358 is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to the nutritional needs of the target species, for the consumer and for the environment. No conclusion could be drawn on the potential of L-valine produced using C. glutamicum CGMCC 7.358 to be toxic by inhalation, irritant to the skin or eyes, or a dermal sensitiser due to the lack of data. The product L-valine produced by fermentation using C. glutamicum CGMCC 7.358 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the renewal of the authorisation of Bacillus subtilis PB6, the extension of use to ornamental, sporting and game birds and a modification on the concentration of the said additive. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain originally identified as Bacillus subtilis. During the course of the current assessment, the active agent has been redesignated as Bacillus velezensis ATCC PTA-6737. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent is established and the compliance with the other qualifications confirmed. Therefore, B. velezensis ATCC PTA-6737 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. The additive is not a dermal/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. Exposure via inhalation is unlikely. In the previous assessments performed by the FEEDAP Panel, the additive showed to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in feedingstuffs for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying at the level of 1 9 107 CFU/kg. Considering that efficacy at the same level has been shown, this conclusion is extrapolated to ornamental, sporting and gaming birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of CorrelinkTM ABS1781 Bacillus subtilis (hereafter designated as CorrelinkTM ABS1781) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding and minor growing poultry species. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain originally identified as Bacillus subtilis, which in the course of the current assessment, was reclassified as Bacillus velezensis NRRL B-67259. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the active agent was established and it does not harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, lacks toxigenic potential and does not have the capacity to produce aminoglycosides. Following the QPS approach to safety assessment, B. velezensis NRRL B-67259 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, CorrelinkTM ABS1781 is also considered safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. CorrelinkTM ABS1781 is not irritant to skin and eyes or a skin sensitiser but is a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of CorrelinkTM ABS1781 for the target species due to lack of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on concentrated liquid L-lysine (base) and L-lysine monohydrochloride (HCl) produced using Corynebacterium casei KCCM 80190 when used as nutritional additives in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The active substance is L-lysine. The production strain is genetically modified. It does not carry acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and no viable cells of the production strain nor its DNA were detected in the final products. Therefore, the additives do not pose any safety concern regarding the genetic modifications. Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base) and L-lysine HCl produced by C. casei KCCM 80190 do not represent a risk for the target species, the consumer and the environment. From the results of studies on the safety for the user of concentrated liquid L-lysine (base) and L-lysine HCl produced by a different production strain, it was possible to conclude on the safety for the user of the products under assessment. Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base) produced by C. casei KCCM 80190 is considered hazardous by inhalation, not irritant to skin and eyes and it is not a skin sensitiser. L-Lysine HCl produced by C. casei KCCM 80190 is considered hazardous by inhalation, it is not irritant to skin but mildly irritant to eyes and it is not a skin sensitiser. Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base) and L-lysine HCl are considered efficacious sources of the essential amino acid L-lysine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental L-lysine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the coccidiostat STENOROL® containing halofuginone hydrobromide (halofuginone HBr) as active substance. The FEEDAP Panel was not able to conclude on the safety of STENOROL® for chickens and turkeys for fattening at the highest proposed use level. No incompatibilities or interactions with feedingstuffs, carriers, other approved additives or medicinal drugs are expected. Halofuginone HBr does not have antimicrobial activity at the highest dose proposed; it is not expected to exert adverse effects on chicken gut microbiota or select for resistance and cross-resistance with other antimicrobials. The Panel cannot conclude on the genotoxic potential of halofuginone HBr since an appropriate in vivo follow-up to exclude the mutagenic effect of the compound was not available. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of halofuginone HBr for the consumer. The additive is toxic by inhalation, dermal and ocular routes and is very irritant to both the eye and the skin. It is considered also a skin sensitiser. Inhalation exposure is considered a risk to persons handling the additive. Since the lack of genotoxic potential of halofuginone HBr has not been adequately demonstrated, it should be considered as an additional potential concern to users handling the additive. Due to limitations in some of the ecotoxicological studies, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety of the additive for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of STENOROL® in chickens for fattening and in turkeys for fattening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the herbicide paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridylium dichloride; PQ) has been fiercely challenged due to its severe acute toxicity, putative neurotoxicity after long-term exposure and lack of antidotes. Breakthrough research on PQ is therefore required for an effective risk control and to allow a safer use of PQ in the future. The silencing or inhibition of quinone oxidoreductase 2, a NAD(P)H-independent flavoenzyme, was shown to significantly attenuate PQ toxicity in vitro, in primary pneumocytes and astroglial U373 cells, and to strongly antagonize PQ-induced systemic toxicity and animal mortality. The novel results reported in this issue of BJP, added to recent findings using sodium salicylate and lysine acetylsalicylate, in which full survival of PQ-intoxicated rats was also achieved, open the door for new preventative and therapeutic strategies that may lead to safer use of this effective pesticide. LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Janda et al., pp. 46-59 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01870.x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]