Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l-methionine produced by the combined activities of Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80245 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80246 for all animal species (CJ Europe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, the FEEDAP Panel was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l-methionine >= 98.5% or >= 90% produced by the combined activities of Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80245 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80246) as nutritional additive for all animal species. The two production strains are genetically modified. l-Methionine is intended to be used in feed or water for drinking for all animal species. Neither viable cells nor recombinant DNA of the production strains were detected in the final products. The additive does not pose any safety concern associated with the genetic modification of the production strains. The use of both products of l-methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80245 and E. coli KCCM 80246 in supplementing feed to compensate for l-methionine deficiency in feedingstuffs is safe for the target species. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns about the use of amino acids in water for drinking for hygienic reasons, and due to the risk of imbalances when administered simultaneously via feed. The use of both products of l-methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80245 and E. coli KCCM 80246 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. The additive, in either product, is not an irritant to skin/eyes and not a dermal sensitiser and shows no toxicity by inhalation. Considering the respiratory exposure to endotoxins, l-methionine >= 90% is a risk for the user. Both products of the additive produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80245 and E. coli KCCM 80246 are considered as an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-methionine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l-methionine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.