Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of methyl salicylate [09.749] obtained from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens L. 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 methyl salicylate [09.749] obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens L. when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species except cats. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use of 15 mg/kg complete feed for all target animal species, except laying hens and rabbits for reproduction, for which the additive is safe at 8 mg/kg complete feed. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 8 mg/kg complete feed. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. Methyl salicylate should be considered as an irritant to eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by any route is considered a risk. Since methyl salicylate is used in food as a flavouring, and its function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.