Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a preparation of benzoic acid, calcium formate and fumaric acid (AviMatrix® Z) for all avian species other than laying birds (Novus Europe S.A. / N.V)

The additive AviMatrix® Z is a preparation of benzoic acid, calcium formate and fumaric acid and is authorised as a feed additive in chickens for fattening and reared for laying. The applicant has requested to extend the use of the additive to all avian species other than laying birds at a concentration range from 500 to 1,000 mg/kg of complete feed. The safety of the additive was previously assessed by the FEEDAP Panel that concluded that there were no concerns for the consumers and no risks for the environment. Given the particle size distribution and low dusting potential of the additive, the exposure of workers by inhalation and the subsequent health risks were expected to be low. AviMatrix® Z is not considered to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel is not aware of any new information that would lead to reconsider the conclusions drawn previously. The results of a new tolerance study showed that the additive is tolerated by turkeys for fattening at threefold the highest recommended dose (1,000 mg/kg feed). Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for turkeys for fattening at the maximum recommended dose and this conclusion was extended to turkeys reared for breeding. Due to the absence of a margin of safety in a trial in chickens for fattening previously evaluated, the FEEDAP Panel could not extrapolate this conclusion to all other avian species up to the point of lay. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in all avian species other than laying and breeding birds.