Safety and efficacy of Amylofeed® (endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase and endo-1,4-β-xylanase and α-amylase) as a feed additive for piglets and minor porcine species

Amylofeed® is a preparation of endo-1,3(4)-b-glucanase, endo-1,4-b-xylanase and a-amylase aimed to be used as a feed additive for piglets and young minor porcine species. In a previous assessment, the safety of the additive for the target species, user and environment were established. However, the safety for the consumer and the efficacy of the product could not be established. In that previous assessment, the limitations on the description of the manufacturing process, the characterisation of the additive and on the toxicological studies provided did not allow the Panel to conclude on the safety for the consumer. The applicant has now provided new data/information to assess the safety for the consumer and also new studies in order to support the efficacy of the additive in the target species. The enzymes present in the product are obtained from two different strains and from two different fermentation processes. In the current assessment, the applicant provided complete and detailed information regarding the manufacturing process of the additive, including details on the composition of the intermediate products. New genotoxicity studies were submitted by the applicant and the results showed no genotoxic potential of the test items. The Panel considered that the conclusions drawn in the subchronic oral toxicity study performed and previously submitted were valid for the current assessment; the results showed no evidence for adverse effects. Consequently, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the consumers when used as a feed additive. For the evaluation of the efficacy of the additive, the Panel considered four long-term trials done in weaned piglets. Based on these data, the Panel concluded that the additive has a potential to be efficacious in weaned piglets at the nominal dose of 500 mg/kg feed and extrapolated this conclusion to growing minor porcine species.