Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin Benth. (patchouli oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl)

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the safety and effectiveness of patchouli oil as a feed additive for all animal species, concluding it is safe within specified dosage limits.

Contribution

The study provides new safety and dosage guidelines for patchouli oil in animal feed across multiple species.

Findings

Patchouli oil is safe for use in feed at varying levels depending on the animal species.

The additive is safe in drinking water if total intake does not exceed feed-based limits.

No consumer or environmental risks were identified at recommended use levels.

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of patchouli oil from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin Benth. (patchouli oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is safe up to the maximum use level in complete feed of 7.5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, laying hens, turkeys for fattening, pigs for fattening, horses, salmonids, shrimps, rabbits, dogs, cats and ornamental fish, 24 mg/kg for piglets, 35 mg/kg for sows, 34 mg/kg for dairy cows, 60 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer) and 53 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep and goats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related minor species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 7.5 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use level in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of patchouli oil up to the highest proposed use level in feed. Regarding user safety, the essential oil under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions is not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since the leaves of P. cablin and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.