Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of ferric citrate chelate (CI-FER™) for poultry species for fattening or reared up to the point of lay (Akeso Biomedical, Inc.)

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 safety and efficacy of ferric citrate chelate (CI-FER (TM)) as a zootechnical additive for poultry species for fattening or reared up to the point of lay. The product had been already assessed by the FEEDAP Panel for use in suckling and weaned piglets and minor porcine species. The application was for an extension of use to poultry species for fattening or reared up to the point of lay. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the new use would not raise safety concerns for the consumers and the environment and retained the previous conclusions as regards to the user: CI-FER (TM) does not pose a risk by inhalation, it is non-irritant to the skin but should be considered as an eye irritant and as a skin sensitiser. Owing to the limitations identified in the tolerance trial submitted, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species. Regarding the efficacy, three studies were submitted but two of them were not considered further in the assessment due to the husbandry conditions to which the animals were subject to. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive.