The EU has authorised the use of BioProtein since 1995 for fattening pigs weighing from 25 to 60 kg, for calves weighing 80 kg or over and for salmon.
In 1998 BioProtein Technologies asked for an extension of the use of a modified version of the product to fattening chickens and pigs. BioProtein is a product of fermenting natural gas.
In 1999 the EU's Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition (SCAN) concluded that at low concentrations the product was well tolerated by pigs and poultry, but at the higher inclusion levels neededit resulted in depression of growth and reduction of feed conversion efficiency. Later, SCAN also became concerned because of BioProtein's effects on the immune system in laboratory animals, when theproduct was modified to be used for human consumption.
SCAN referred BioProtein to the EFSA which now says BioProtien's studies on the additive "do not alleviate the concerns for animal and human safety, as previously expressed by SCAN".
In the case of Reuteri Pig Powder, the EFSA ruled that the product poses no danger to human health or the environment. The product is intended as a feed additive for piglets and for consumer use. Theactive ingredient of Reuteri Pig Powder is the strain Lactobacillus reuteri 1063S. The remainder is composed of food grade compounds.
In the case of Econase Wheat Plus, an enzyme preparation, the EFSA ruled that the submitted studies demonstrate that its use as feed additive for fattening chickens poses no health risk.
Econase Wheat Plus is a preparation of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Trichoderma reesei and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced by Trichoderma reesei. It is intended for use in wheat basedpoultry diets. A safety evaluation of Econase Wheat was previously completed by SCAN on 16 October 2002. In a further safety assessment of Econase Wheat Plus, SCAN later concluded that, due tothe inadequate experimental design, another tolerance test in chickens for fattening was necessary in order to assess the safety of the product.
In the case of Roxazyme G2, the EFSA ruled that tests indicate that the enzyme preparation is safe for use in ducks. The manufacturer claims the product improves the digestibility of feed rich innon-starch polysaccharides. Roxazyme G2 is already approved for use in chickens, turkeys, laying hens and piglets.