The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released its updated scientific advice last week for assessing the toxigenic potential of Bacillus species used in animal nutrition.
The recommendations follow a consultation phase, with feedback received from a range of industry stakeholders including, FEFANA, and enzyme producer group, AMFEP.
Bacillus species have been used as microbial feed additives, probiotics and silage inoculants, and as production organisms for enzymes and other fermentation products for feed for decades.
Some Bacillus strains produce toxins that can cause food-borne diseases in humans, producing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Strain selection
The Parma based agency said the selection of strains belonging to the Bacillus cereus taxonomic group for direct use in animal production is not advisable.
“For other species, concerns appear to be associated to the production of surfactin like-lipopeptides, although the relation between the presence of these compounds and/or other toxic factors and the risk of illness in human has not yet been established,” said the feed safety experts.
A spokesperson for Fefana told us she welcomed the EFSA confirmation that it was unable to definitely determine a connection between lipopeptides and food poisoning.
The feed ingredients lobby group, in tandem with AMFEP, had submitted comments during the Baccillus guidance consultation phase, citing the fact that traditional Japanese food product, natto, which contains strong lipopeptide-producing Bacillus spp, had been consumed without any adverse effects for centuries in Asia.
“It is also known from the scientific literature cited by EFSA that toxic effects seen in in vitro cell tests is not related to an in vivo toxicity," said the industry representatives.
In-vitro analysis
EFSA recommends feed producers use in vitro cell-based methods to detect evidence of a cytotoxic effect.
“Such tests should be made with culture supernatants since the concentration of cells obtained in a broth culture would always exceed that found in animal food products. If the strain proves to be cytotoxic it is not recommended for use,” said the agency.
EFSA said it will review new scientific knowledge and approaches on Bacillus, if and when, they become available.
The updated scientific advice on Bacillus strains for use in animal nutrition can be read here.