Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of l‐threonine produced by Escherichia coli strains NRRL B‐30843, DSM 26131, KCCM11133P or DSM 25085 for all animal species based on a dossier submitted by AMAC EEIG

Safety and efficacy of l-threonine produced using Escherichia coliCGMCC 13325 as a feed additive for all animal species

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 l-threonine produced by fermentation when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The product under assessment is l-threonine produced using a genetically modified strain of E. coli CGMCC 13325. The Panel notes that three out of five batches of the additive do not comply with the minimum specification of 98.5% l-threonine on a dry matter basis proposed by the applicant. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final additive. Therefore, the final product does not give raise to any safety concern regarding the genetic modification of the production strain. The use of l-threonine produced using E. coli CGMCC 13325 in supplementing feed to compensate for threonine deficiency in feedingstuffs is safe for the target species. The FEEDAP Panel identified risks of nutritional imbalances and hygienic concerns for amino acids when administered simultaneously in feed and in water for drinking. The use of l-threonine produced by fermentation using E. coli CGMCC 13325 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. There is a risk from the inhalation exposure to endotoxins for persons handling the additive. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of l-threonine produced using E. coli CGMCC 13325 to be a skin or eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. The additive under assessment is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l-threonine for all non-ruminant species. For the supplemental l-threonine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.

Safety and efficacy of l-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum ■■■■■ for all animal species

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 l-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum ■■■■■ when used as nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The product under assessment is l-threonine produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of C. glutamicum (■■■■■). The production strain and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the additive. The product l-threonine, manufactured by fermentation with C. glutamicum, ■■■■■ does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the production strain. l-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is considered safe for the target species. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns regarding the safety of the simultaneous oral administration of l-threonine via water for drinking and feed. l-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is safe for the consumer. The additive is not a skin or eye irritant and is not a skin sensitiser. Although the workers can be exposed by inhalation, the results of an acute inhalation study showed that risk of adverse effects by inhalation is low. l-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is safe for the environment. The product under assessment is considered an efficacious source of the amino acid l-threonine for all animal species. For l-threonine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.

Safety and efficacy of l-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum ■■■■■ for all animal species

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 l-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum ■■■■■ when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The product under assessment is l-threonine produced by fermentation with a ■■■■■ strain of C. glutamicum (■■■■■). l-Threonine produced by C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is considered safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the safety of the simultaneous oral administration of l-threonine via water for drinking and feed. l-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is safe for the consumer. The additive is not a skin or eye irritant and is not a skin sensitiser. Although the workers can be exposed by inhalation, the results of an acute inhalation study showed that risk of adverse effects by inhalation is low. l-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum ■■■■■ is safe for the environment. The product under assessment is considered an efficacious source of the amino acid l-threonine for all animal species. For l-threonine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.