Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of dried extracts from Echinacea angustifolia DC. or Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench for use in cats and dogs (C.I.A.M.)

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 dried extracts prepared from the dried roots of Echinacea angustifolia DC. or the dried aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, when used as sensory feed additives for cats and dogs. E. angustifolia extract is specified to contain at least 4% echinacosides and E. purpurea extract at least 4% total phenols. Since about 75% of the composition of the extracts remained uncharacterised, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety for the target species. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the potential of the extracts to be dermal/eye irritants or skin sensitisers. In the absence of evidence that the extracts act as flavours in animal feed or have an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additives.