Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l‐arginine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum CCTCC M 20232577 for all animal species (Dongxiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of l‐arginine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum CCTCC M 20232577 when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The production strain is non‐genetically modified and viable cells of the production strain were not detected in the final product. The use of l‐arginine produced with C. glutamicum CCTCC M 20232577 in feed is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to their nutritional needs. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the use of l‐arginine in water for drinking. The use of l‐arginine (≥ 98.5%) produced with C. glutamicum CCTCC M 20232577 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. Regarding the safety for the user, owing to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and/or eyes and to be a potential skin sensitiser. The additive is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l‐arginine for all non‐ruminant species. To be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminants, it should be protected from ruminal degradation.