# Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of vermiculite for all poultry and ornamental birds, all porcine species, equines, leporids, camelids, pets and other non‐food‐producing animals (Regal B.V.)

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of vermiculite as a feed additive for various animals, finding it safe for some species but not conclusive for others.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed safety and efficacy assessment of vermiculite for multiple animal species based on European Commission guidelines.

## Key findings

- Vermiculite is safe at 10,000 mg/kg feed for chickens and laying hens.
- Vermiculite is safe at 5,000 mg/kg feed for piglets and fattening pigs.
- Vermiculite is effective as an anticaking agent in feed at 10,000 mg/kg.

## Abstract

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 vermiculite as a technological feed additive for all poultry and ornamental birds, all porcine species, equines, leporids, camelids, pets and other non‐food‐producing animals. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that vermiculite is considered safe at 10,000 mg/kg complete feed for the use in feed for chickens for fattening and reared for laying/breeding and laying hens, and at 5000 mg/kg complete feed for piglets and pigs for fattening. No conclusion can be drawn on the safety of the product for ornamental birds, equines, leporids, camelids, pets and other non‐food‐producing animals. The Panel concluded that the use of vermiculite is safe for consumer and the environment. The additive is considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. Due to the lack of data, the Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be an eye irritant. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that vermiculite is efficacious as anticaking agent in feed, when used at 10,000 mg/kg complete feed.