Safety and efficacy of the feed additives consisting of citric acid anhydrous and citric acid monohydrate produced by fermentation with Aspergillus niger CGMCC 6.466 for all animal species (Sunshine Biotech International)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of citric acid anhydrous and citric acid monohydrate produced by fermentation with Aspergillus niger CGMCC 6.466 as technological feed additives for all animal species. The additives are not currently authorised. Citric acid produced by fermentation with A. niger CGMCC 6.466 may pose safety concerns due to the possible presence of harmful secondary metabolites produced by the production strain. No toxicological studies with the fermentation product were submitted, and the presence of viable cells of the production strain could not be excluded in both forms of the additive. In addition, concerns were raised regarding some processing aids used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of citric acid produced with A. niger CGMCC 6.466 for the target species, the consumer and the user. The Panel concludes that the additives are safe for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that citric acid has the potential to act as an acidity regulator when used in feed and water for all animal species. In the absence of data, the Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of citric acid as a preservative.