Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the leaves or the aerial parts of Mentha × piperita L. (peppermint tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the leaves or aerial parts of Mentha × piperita L. (peppermint tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.85%. Peppermint tincture contains on average 0.095% (w/w) total polyphenols (of which 0.0247% are flavonoids). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of peppermint tincture is safe at the proposed use level of 500 mg/kg complete feed for ornamental fish. For the other species the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed are: 64 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 95 mg/kg for laying hens, 86 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 138 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 115 mg/kg for piglets, 168 mg/kg for sows, 287 mg/kg for veal calves, 253 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses, 164 mg/kg for dairy cows, 101 mg/kg for rabbits, 289 mg/kg for salmonids, 303 mg/kg for dogs and 253 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 64 mg/kg complete feed. The use of peppermint tincture at the proposed conditions of use is considered safe for the consumers and the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Any exposure is considered a risk. Since the leaves of Mentha × piperita L. are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was necessary.