Why EU registration matters for mycotoxin deactivation
The EU authorisation of mycotoxin-reducing additives has become an internationally recognised benchmark of quality assurance. For farmers and feed millers, EU authorised products can avoid potential pitfalls while protecting animals and profits.
BY IGNACIO ARTAVIA, PRODUCT MANAGER AT BIOMIN A
nimal feed is an integral part of the food chain, as the feed eaten by our livestock will eventually be- come nutritious eggs, milk or meat for human con- sumption. The European Union’s farm-to-fork ap-
proach strictly controls what can go into animal feed in order to protect animal welfare, consumer health and the environment. Feed additives have become a crucial part of domesticated animals’ diets, and they must be evaluated and registered be- fore they are authorised to be sold within the EU. The first step towards registration is receiving approval from the Euro- pean Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This authorisation de- pends on the objective evaluation of EFSA’s scientific commit- tee about the safety and efficacy of an additive.
Two key advantages of EU authorisation Products registered in the EU have two demonstrable advan- tages: safety and effectiveness. First and foremost, EFSA con- firms that products are safe for animals, their handlers and end consumers. Second, EU-registered products are ef- fective. EFSA validates the claims that feed additive manu- facturers are allowed to make about their products within the
European Food Safety Authority’s mission
“EFSA’s mission is clear. We contribute to the safety of the EU food chain by pro- viding scientific advice to risk managers, by communicating on risks to the public, and by cooperating with Member States and other parties to deliver a coherent, trusted food safety system in the EU.” Source: EFSA Strategy 2020
By using EU authorised mycotoxin deactivators, farmers and feed millers can be confident their mycotoxin risk management is safe and effective.
20 ▶ MYCOTOXINS | NOVEMBER 2021
EU, ensuring that the product can actually do what the man- ufacturer says. Only claims that have been backed by research published in scientific, peer-reviewed publications are al- lowed to be advertised, so that purchasers—e.g. feed millers and farmers—are not misled by lofty promises or false claims.
Criteria for mycotoxin deactivators In 2009 a new functional group called “Substances for reduc- tion of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins” was estab- lished within the European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. This group contains the substances that can sup- press or reduce the absorption, promote the excretion or modify the mode of action of mycotoxins in the animals. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) requires information from four different categories in order to obtain registration within this functional group: 1. Mycotoxin specificity: Target mycotoxin(s) for the product must be declared.
2. Species specificity: Data from at least three in vivo studies performed in a minimum of two different loca- tions showing statistically significant effects of its efficacy at the lowest recommended dosage in a specific species.
3. Biomarkers: Demonstration of product efficacy must be provided in the form of scientifically recognised relevant biomarkers.
4. Safety: Data ruling out the possibilities of interaction with other feed components (such as vitamins, minerals, etc.) should be presented for mycotoxin binders. For mycotoxin deactivators that modify the chemical
PHOTO: BIOMIN
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