Safety of feed additives consisting of β-damascone [07.083] and (E)-β-damascone [07.224] belonging to chemical group 8 for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the supplementary information submitted on the safety of β-damascone [07.083] and (E)-β-damascone [07.224] belonging to chemical group 8, when used as sensory additives (flavourings) in feed for all animal species. The additives are already authorised for use in all animal species. According to previous assessments, the additives were considered safe for the target species, the consumer and the freshwater environment. For the marine environment, the safe use level for the two substances was estimated to be 0.05 mg/kg feed. Hazards for skin and eye contact, and respiratory exposure were recognised for the majority of the compounds belonging to chemical group 8. In the absence of ecotoxicity data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of β-damascone [07.083] and (E)-β-damascone [07.224] for the terrestrial compartment. The applicant has provided new data (a chronic toxicity test on earthworms) to address the issue previously identified regarding the environmental safety of β-damascone [07.083] for the terrestrial compartment. The use of β-damascone [07.083] and (E)-β-damascone [07.224] as feed additives is considered safe for the terrestrial and freshwater environment.