Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of molybdenum in form of a chelate with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for honeybees and bumblebees (SATT Paris Saclay)

TL;DR

This study evaluates the safety and potential effectiveness of a molybdenum-based feed additive for honeybees and bumblebees.

Contribution

The study provides a scientific assessment of MoNa's safety and potential zootechnical efficacy in honeybees.

Findings

MoNa is safe for honeybees and bumblebees at 8 mg/hive per feeding.

MoNa is a skin and respiratory sensitiser, requiring minimised exposure.

MoNa may be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for honeybees but not for bumblebees.

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of molybdenum in form of a chelate with EDTA as a nutritional feed additive for honeybees and bumblebees. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that additive MoNa is safe for honeybees and bumblebees at the maximum recommended use level of 8 mg/hive per feeding, according to the conditions of use. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk and should be minimised. The additive is not irritant to skin nor to eyes. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive MoNa as a nutritional additive in honeybees and bumblebees. However, the Panel concludes that the supplementation of MoNa at 8 mg/hive has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for honeybees. No conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of the additive when supplemented to bumblebees.