Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting on Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 for all animal species (Chr. Hansen A/S)

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 additive consisting of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 when used as technological additive (acidity regulator) in dry feed at a minimum inclusion level of 2 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/kg and in complete or complementary liquid feed for all animal species at a minimum concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/L. No minimum concentration is proposed by the applicant when used in combination with other microbial technological additives. The bacterial species P. freudenreichii is considered by EFSA to be eligible for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and it did not show acquired resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance, the use of the strain in animal nutrition is considered safe for the target animals, consumers and the environment. No conclusions can be drawn on the skin/eye irritancy or skin sensitisation potential of the additive, but it should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is likely. No conclusions could be drawn on the efficacy of the additive when used alone as an acidity regulator in feed due to lack of data. The studies provided showed that P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii ATCC PTA-6752 when used in combination with Ligilactobacillus animalis ATCC PTA-6750 has the potential to act as an acidity regulator. However, the Panel has reservations on the effects of this mixture in practical use conditions.