Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of L‐cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate as a flavouring additive for pets

Abstract

L-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid produced by hydrolysis of natural keratin (typically from duck feathers). In the absence of information on bacterial fermentation, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on this way of manufacturing. The addition of L-cysteine to the food of cats and dogs is safe if the balance between cysteine and methionine in the complete diet is maintained. Owing to the unknown total content of free Lcysteine in the final diet, it cannot be assessed whether or not the addition of L-cysteine as a feed flavouring would disrupt this balance. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel considers it prudent to assume that exposure of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes poses a risk to users. As L-cysteine is intended for use in pets, assessment of the safety for the environment is not needed. It is not clear if the use of L-cysteine, applied as described by the applicant, is the same as that for human food and, therefore, efficacy cannot be assumed and has not been demonstrated. The FEEDAP Panel made a recommendation regarding the specification of the additive. SUMMARYFollowing 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 L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate when used as a flavouring additive for pets.L-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid produced by hydrolysis of natural keratin (typically from duck feathers).In the absence of information on bacterial fermentation, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on this way of manufacturing.The addition of L-cysteine to the food of cats and dogs is safe if the balance between cysteine and methionine in the complete diet is maintained. Owing to the unknown total content of free L-cysteine in the final diet, it cannot be assessed whether or not the addition of L-cysteine as a feed flavouring would disrupt this balance.In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel considers it prudent to assume that exposure of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes poses a risk to users.As L-cysteine is intended for use in pets, assessment of the safety for the environment is not needed.It is not clear if the use of L-cysteine, applied as described by the applicant, is the same as that for human food and, therefore, efficacy cannot be assumed and has not been demonstrated.The FEEDAP Panel made a recommendation regarding the specification of the additive.

Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for L‐cysteine for use in plant protection as insecticide

“…L-cysteine has been previously assessed by EFSA (2006 and2013) and no consumer safety concerns were identified. The EFSA FEEDAP Panel, in the absence of data, considered it prudent to assume that exposure of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes could pose a risk to users.…”

Safety and efficacy of l‐cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation using Escherichia coli KCCM 80180 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80181 as a flavouring additive for all animal species

“…Additional information L-Cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate has been assessed by the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) as a flavouring substance in pets only (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). The FEEDAP Panel also evaluated L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate in an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the use of amino acids (chemical group 34) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2014).…”

Safety and efficacy of l‐cysteine monohydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation using Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80197 for all animal species

“…L-Cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate has been assessed by the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) as a flavouring substance in pets only (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). The FEEDAP Panel also evaluated L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate in an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the use of amino acids (chemical group 34) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2014).…”