Safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 (Ecobiol®) for turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species for fattening and reared for laying and ornamental birds (Evonik Operations GmbH)

Abstract 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 extension of use of the feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 (tradename: Ecobiol®) to turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species for fattening and reared for laying and ornamental birds (except for reproduction). The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain originally identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. During the course of the current assessment, the active agent has been reclassified as B. velezensis CECT 5940. The bacterial species B. velezensis is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. The identity of the active agent was established and the compliance with the other qualifications confirmed. Therefore, B. velezensis CECT 5940 is presumed safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, the additive Ecobiol® is also considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. The additive is not irritant to skin/eye or a skin sensitiser, but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The efficacy data previously evaluated allowed the Panel to conclude that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at the level of 1 × 109 CFU/kg feed in turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species for fattening and reared for laying and ornamental birds (except for reproduction).