Safety and efficacy of dry grape extract when used as a feed flavouring for all animal species and categories

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA 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 dry grape extract when used as feed flavouring for all animal species and categories. The additive under assessment (dry grape extract) is a mixture of two extracts from seeds and skin of Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera. Flavouring preparations produced from food, such as extracts of grapes, can be used in and on food without specific authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive dry grape extract is safe at the maximum proposed use level (100 mg/kg complete feed) for all animal species except dogs, for which no safe dietary concentration could be established. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of the dry grape extract up to the highest safe level in feeds. The grape seed extracts tested are irritating to skin and eyes. However, the extent to which these observations would also apply to the behaviour of the complete additive containing grape skin extracts in addition is unknown. In the absence of data, it is not possible to conclude on the potential of the additive to be skin or respiratory sensitiser. The use of dry grape extract at the maximum proposed dose is not considered to be a risk for the environment. Since the major component of the additive, the proanthocyanidin-rich seed extract, is recognised to provide flavour in food and its function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.