Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of cocoa absolute from the dried seeds of Theobroma cacao L. in propylene glycol for use in all animal species except cats (FEFANA asbl).

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 a preparation of cocoa absolute (obtained by ■■■■■ extraction from the dried seeds of Theobroma cacao L.) in propylene glycol when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species except cats. The additive (referred to as cocoa absolute preparation) is specified to have a dry matter content of ≤ 1%, and to contain ≤ 99.7% propylene glycol, 0.01%-0.04% theobromine and 0.004-0.04% caffeine. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for the target species at the maximum proposed use level of 115 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of the cocoa absolute preparation in water for drinking alone or in combination with its use in feed is safe provided that the daily amount resulting from the exposure via feed alone at the maximum use level is not exceeded. No safety concern would arise for the consumer and the environment from the use of the additive in animal feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by any route is considered a risk. Since the seeds of T. cacao are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.