Opinion of the Scientific Panel on additives and products or substances used in animal feed (FEEDAP) on the reevaluation of coccidiostat Avatec in accordance with article 9G of Council Directive 70/524/EEC

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of lasalocid A sodium and nicarbazin (Nilablend™ 200G) for chickens for fattening (Zoetis Belgium SA)

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 coccidiostat Nilablend™ 200G containing lasalocid A sodium and nicarbazin. Nilablend™ 200G is not safe for chickens for fattening at the proposed maximum use level of 50 mg lasalocid A sodium + 50 mg nicarbazin/kg complete feed. Concurrent administration of Nilablend™ 200G (containing lasalocid A sodium) with tiamulin and certain other medicinal substances should be avoided. Lasalocid A sodium has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial species while many Enterobacteriaceae are naturally resistant. Induction of resistance and/or cross-resistance was not observed in experimental conditions. No information on the interactions of nicarbazin with feed materials, other approved additives or medicinal products have been provided. No data were submitted on the microbiological safety of nicarbazin. The toxicological package for lasalocid A sodium and nicarbazin identified no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) that could be the basis for setting health-based guidance values (e.g. an acceptable daily intake (ADI)). The Panel concluded that a concern for the genotoxicity of nicarbazin in Nilablend™ 200G cannot be excluded and that clarification on the mechanism of action of the test items would be needed. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to establish an ADI for DNC on which to base the assessment of consumer safety. Nilablend™ 200G is considered toxic by inhalation, corrosive and irritant to eyes, slightly irritant to the skin but not a skin sensitiser. Inhalation exposure is considered a risk to persons handling the additive. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of Nilablend™ 200G for the environment due to a possible risk for aquatic compartment (freshwater) for DNC. The efficacy of Nilablend® 200G was demonstrated.

Safety and efficacy of Avatec® 150G (lasalocid A sodium) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying

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 safety and efficacy of Avatec^® 150G (lasalocid A sodium) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. In 2017, the FEEDAP Panel was not able to conclude on a safe dose for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying and no conclusion could be drawn on the anticoccidial efficacy of the additive at the lowest proposed used level (75 mg lasalocid A sodium/kg feed) in these species. In the present assessment, the applicant submitted new tolerance and efficacy studies in chickens for fattening to address the concerns identified by the FEEDAP Panel in its former opinion. In addition, the applicant proposed to decrease the maximum of the dose range from 125 to 100 mg lasalocid A sodium/kg complete feed. Based on the additional information, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that no safe level of lasalocid A sodium from Avatec^® 150G in feed for chickens for fattening can be identified. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the coccidiostatic efficacy of Avatec^® 150G for chickens for fattening at the lowest proposed dose level of 75 mg lasalocid A sodium/kg complete feed due to the insufficient number of studies with positive results. The conclusions are extended to chickens reared for laying.

Safety and efficacy of Avatec® 150G (lasalocid A sodium) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying, and modification of the terms of authorisation for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening, minor avian species (pheasants, guinea fowl, quails and partridges) except laying birds

Avatec^® 150G is an anticoccidial feed additive containing 15% of the active ingredient lasalocid A sodium, an ionophore anticoccidial. The tolerance study indicated that oral administration of lasalocid A sodium via feed at doses at and above the targeted lasalocid dose of 125 mg/kg was not tolerated in chickens for fattening. Consequently, no safe dose can be established by the tolerance study submitted. Concurrent administration of lasalocid with tiamulin and certain other medicinal substances should be avoided. Lasalocid sodium has a selective antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacterial species while many Enterobacteriaceae are naturally resistant. Induction of resistance and/or cross‐resistance was not observed in experimental conditions. Lasalocid A sodium is not genotoxic and not carcinogenic. The newly conducted cardiovascular study in dogs indicated an acute no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of 1 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day. Since this NOAEL is above the lowest NOAEL of 0.5 mg/kg bw per day previously identified in a 2‐year toxicity study in rats and a developmental study in rabbits, it is concluded that this NOAEL (0.5 mg/kg bw per day) is an appropriate base for establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake of 0.005 mg lasalocid sodium/kg bw. The use of lasalocid A sodium from Avatec^® 150G at the highest proposed level of 125 mg/kg complete feed is safe for the consumer. For compliance with the maximum residue limits (MRLs), a withdrawal period of 3 days is necessary. No risk for the user is expected from the use of Avatec^® 150G. The use of lasalocid A sodium from Avatec^® 150G in feed for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying up to the highest proposed dose does not pose a risk for the environment. Insufficient evidence of the anticoccidial efficacy of lasalocid A sodium was provided in chickens for fattening/reared for laying.