Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of locust bean gum for cats, dogs, pigs and poultry (FEDIAF).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the follow-up application for re-evaluation of locust bean gum as a technological additive for cats, dogs, pigs and poultry. In the previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety for the target species, for the user and on its efficacy as an emulsifier. In the current assessment, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that locust bean gum is considered safe for cats at 20,000 mg/kg complete feed, dogs at 1320 mg/kg complete feed, pigs at 500-729 mg/kg complete feed and poultry at 278-415 mg/kg complete feed. Regarding user safety, the additive is considered irritant to skin and eyes and is considered a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. The Panel concludes that the additive alone or in combination with other hydrocolloids may have the potential to act as a gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser, in matrices with high moisture content. However, it cannot conclude on its efficacy, alone or in combination with other hydrocolloids, in complex feed matrices typical of the pet food industry or in feeds with low moisture content.