Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of manganese compounds (E5) as feed additives for all species: manganese chelate of amino acids, hydrate, based on a dossier submitted by Zinpro Animal Nutrition Inc.

Manganese, an essential trace element, functions as an enzyme activator and is a constituent of several enzymes. Primary signs of manganese deficiency are impaired growth, skeletal abnormalities, depressed reproductive function, ataxia of the newborn and faults in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Manganese chelate of amino acids, hydrate is considered a safe source of manganese for all animal species/categories, provided that the current maximum total contents of manganese authorised in feed are respected. Dietary manganese does not appear to cause any adverse effects in consumers at usual intake levels; manganese intake resulting from the consumption of tissues and products of animal origin is low compared with the intake resulting from the consumption of food of plant origin. The use manganese chelate of amino acids, hydrate, does not result in higher manganese deposition in edible tissues and products than that resulting from commonly used inorganic sources. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is of no concern for the safety of consumers, provided that the current maximum total contents of manganese authorised in feed are respected. Handling the additive is a possible hazard to the respiratory tract and the health of users; in the absence of adequate data regarding irritancy to the skin and eyes and dermal sensitisation, the additive should be considered as a potential skin and eye irritant and, owing to its residual peptide component, as a skin/respiratory sensitiser. The use of manganese chelate of amino acids, hydrate, in animal nutrition for all animal species is not of concern for the environment, provided that the current maximum total contents of manganese authorised in feed are respected. Manganese chelate of amino acids, hydrate, is an effective source of manganese for all animal species and categories.