# Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of chromium chelate of dl‐methionine (Availa® Cr) for all finfish (Zinpro Animal Nutrition Europe, Inc.)

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a chromium chelate feed additive for finfish, finding it safe for salmonids but not conclusively for other species.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed safety and efficacy assessment of Availa® Cr for finfish feed, including consumer and environmental safety.

## Key findings

- Availa® Cr is safe for salmonids at 600 mg additive/kg feed (0.6 mg Cr/kg feed).
- The additive is not an eye or skin irritant but is a skin and respiratory sensitiser due to nickel.
- The additive is potentially efficacious in salmonids at 0.2 mg Cr/kg feed and in other finfish at 0.5 mg Cr/kg feed.

## Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of chromium chelate of dl‐methionine (Availa® Cr) for all finfish. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for salmonids at the maximum proposed use level of 600 mg additive/kg complete feed (corresponding to 0.6 mg Cr/kg complete feed). The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of the use of Availa® Cr in feed for other finfish. The use of the additive in finfish feed at the maximum proposed use level was considered safe for the consumer and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is not an eye nor skin irritant, but due to the presence of nickel, the additive is considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in salmonids at 0.2 mg Cr/kg complete feed, and in other finfish at 0.5 mg Cr/kg complete feed.