Assessment of the feed additive consisting of potassium diformate for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Addcon GmbH)

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 assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of potassium diformate for all animal species. The additive was initially evaluated in 2004 and re-evaluated by the Panel in 2012, with the conclusion that the additive (i) was safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment when used under the proposed conditions; (ii) was an eye irritant and (iii) had the potential to increase the storage time of raw fish and fish by-products for feed use in a dose-dependent manner at low temperature. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use of potassium diformate under the approved conditions of use remains safe for consumers and the environment, and that it is an eye irritant. Due to the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin irritant or a respiratory or dermal sensitiser. Regarding the safety for the target species, the FEEDAP Panel considered that the mixture of different sources of potassium diformate remains safe for use in sows' feed under the approved conditions of use (12,000 mg/kg complete feed). However, based on a tolerance trial, the Panel concluded that the maximum safe level of potassium diformate in weaned piglets should be reduced to 6,000 mg/kg complete feed and the same conclusion was extended to pigs for fattening. Owing to the lack of information provided, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive for species other than pigs under the approved conditions. The present application does not include a proposal for amending or supplementing the conditions of the original authorisation that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive.