Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of iron compounds (E1) as feed additives for all species: iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, based on a dossier submitted by Zinpro Animal Nutrition Inc.

Abstract

The use of iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, as source of iron is considered safe for all animal species/categories when used up to the currently authorised maximum content of total iron in complete feed, with the exception of bovines and poultry for which the maximum tolerated level is 450 mg/kg complete feed, and pets, for which the maximum tolerated level is 600 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to derive a maximum safe iron concentration in feed for horses or fish. Consumption surveys include iron-containing foodstuffs of animal origin. Since the supplementation of animal feed with iron-containing compounds has not essentially changed during the last decades, it is reasonable to assume that the iron levels in food of animal origin used in exposure scenarios originated from animals fed iron-supplemented diets. Since iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, will be used as a substitute for other iron compounds, its use in animal nutrition would not modify consumer exposure to iron. The additive should be considered as a skin, eye and respiratory irritant and, owing to its residual peptide component, as a skin/respiratory sensitiser. Considering the high background concentration of iron in soil and water, the supplementation of feed with iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, is not expected to pose an environmental risk. Iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, is an effective source of iron for all animal species and categories. The FEEDAP Panel recommends that the maximum iron contents in complete feed be reduced as follows: bovines and poultry, 450 mg Fe/kg; and pets, 600 mg Fe/kg. © European Food Safety Authority, 2013 KEY WORDSnutritional additive, compounds of trace elements, iron, ‗iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate', safety, environment, efficacy

Safety and efficacy of CI‐FER™ (ferric citrate chelate) as a zootechnical feed additive for suckling and weaned piglets and minor porcine species

“…The safety for consumers of foods derived from animals whose diets were supplemented with iron compounds, including chelate of amino acids, has been reviewed and assessed by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013, 2014a,b, 2015, 2016a. It was concluded that no concerns for consumer safety are expected when iron compounds are used up to the EU maximum authorised level in feed.…”

“…In the absence of specific studies and considering that several iron compounds are recognised as irritants to skin, eyes and mucous membranes (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013, 2014a,b, 2015, 2016a, the product should be considered as a skin, eye and respiratory irritant.…”

Safety and efficacy of TYFER™ (ferric tyrosine chelate) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens, turkeys and minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding

“…The safety for consumers of foods derived from animals whose diets were supplemented with iron compounds, including chelate of amino acids, has been reviewed and assessed by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013a, 2014a,b, 2015, 2016a. The safety for consumers of foods derived from animals whose diets were supplemented with iron compounds, including chelate of amino acids, has been reviewed and assessed by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013a, 2014a,b, 2015, 2016a.…”

Safety and efficacy of iron compounds (E1) as feed additives for all species: ferric oxide based on a dossier submitted by Poortershaven Industriële Mineralen B.V.

“…5 EFSA issued an opinion on the safety of the chelated forms of iron, copper, manganese and zinc with synthetic feed grade glycine (EFSA, 2005). In the frame of re-evaluation, EFSA has delivered five opinions on iron-based additives: iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013, 2016a In 2015, the EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) adopted a scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172) as food additives (EFSA ANS Panel, 2015). Following that, the FEEDAP Panel adopted a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of iron oxide black, red and yellow for all animal species as colourings in feed (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016b).…”

“…The opinion is based on data provided by a company involved in the production/distribution of ferric oxide and publicly available literature. In particular, the Opinion on the re-evaluation of iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172) as food additives (EFSA ANS Panel, 2015) and the Opinions on ironbased feed additives (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013, 2014a,b, 2015, 2016a) and on iron oxide black, red and yellow as colourings in feed (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2016b) were considered.…”