Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of nicarbazin (NICACOX®) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying (Huvepharma N.V.).

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 nicarbazin (NICACOX®) as a coccidiostat for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that NICACOX® is safe for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying when used at concentrations up to 80 mg nicarbazin/kg complete feed during the first 21 days of life. The use of the additive under the proposed conditions (maximum use level of 80 mg/kg complete feed for 21 days) is considered safe for the consumer, provided that a withdrawal period of 5 days is ensured. Nicarbazin is not a skin nor eye irritant and is not a dermal sensitiser. In the absence of specific data on the final additive, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of NICACOX® for the users. The use of nicarbazin (DNC and HDP) from NICACOX® in complete feed for chickens for fattening does not pose a risk for the terrestrial and aquatic compartments nor to sediment under the proposed condition of use. No concern for groundwater is expected, and no risk of secondary poisoning is identified. Nicarbazin from NICACOX®, given at a level of 75 mg/kg complete feed for the first 21 days of life is effective in preventing coccidiosis of chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying in the corresponding time period.