Safety and efficacy of Natuphos® E (6-phytase) as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying

Following 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 Natuphos® E (6-phytase) as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying. The additive Natuphos® E consists of 6-phytase (phytase; Enzyme Commission Number 3.1.3.26) and is intended to be used as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying as a zootechnical additive, functional group of digestibility enhancers. This additive was previously assessed by the FEEDAP Panel in 2017 for avian and porcine species. The production strain of the phytase present in the product is a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger. Based on the previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not give rise to safety concerns. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in the concentrate used to formulate the products. The FEEDAP Panel previously concluded that the additive was safe for the target species, consumers and the environment when used at 200 FTU/kg feed. The additive Natuphos® E is not considered to be toxic by inhalation or irritant for skin or eye; however, it should be regarded as a dermal sensitiser and a potential respiratory sensitiser. The additive has the potential to be efficacious in improving the performance and/or the phosphorus utilisation in laying hens at 200 FTU/kg feed; the conclusions drawn in laying hens can be extrapolated to all minor poultry and other avian species for laying.