Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dried extract from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. (G. biloba dry extract) 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 a dried extract prepared from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. (G. biloba dry extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. G. biloba dry extract is specified to contain at least 24% flavonol glycosides, at least 6% terpene lactones and less than 5 ppm ginkgolic acids. Since uncertainty remains concerning the nature of up to 75% of the extract, the additive is not sufficiently characterised to allow an assessment based on the individual components. In view of the indication of potential carcinogenicity from the results of studies by the National Toxicology Program of the USA, obtained with a G. biloba extract comparable with the additive under assessment, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive cannot be considered safe for cats and dogs. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. In the absence of evidence that the extract acts as a flavour in animal feed or has an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive.