Safety and efficacy of a dried aqueous ethanol extract of leaves from Olea europaea L. when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species

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 safety and efficacy of a dried aqueous ethanol extract of leaves from Olea europaea L., when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The extract is specified to contain ≥ 20% oleuropein. As a full analysis of the extract was not provided, about 70% of the extract remained uncharacterised. In view of the inadequate chemical and toxicological characterisation of the additive, the FEEDAP Panel is unable to conclude on the safety for the target species, the consumers and the users. O. europaea L. is a native species to Europe where it is widely grown for commercial purposes. Use of the extract from the plant in animal production is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. In the absence of data showing the sensory properties of the additive under assessment, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of olive leaf extract from O. europaea L. when used as sensory additive.