Safety Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of an Additive of Endo-Β-1,4-Xylanase Produced by <i>Komagataella phaffii</i> CGMCC 7.371 (VTR-xylanase) as a Feed Additive for Weaned Piglets, Suckling Piglets, Minor Growing Porcine and All Avian Species

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in April 2021 from Victory Enzymes GmbH (‘the applicant’) for the new of authorisation of an additive (VTR-xylanase) containing endo-β-1,4-xylanase, under the category of ‘zootechnical additives’ and functional group ‘digestibility enhancers’. The additive is proposed to be used at an inclusion rate of 2000 U/kg for weaned piglets, suckling piglets, minor growing porcine species, laying hens and other laying birds, and at an inclusion rate of 1,000 U/kg for chickens for fattening and minor avian species. To support the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in evaluating the dossier, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) were asked to review the dossier and the supplementary information from the applicant. The FSA/FSS concluded, based on the ACAF’s advice, that the additive was correctly characterised, and that it is stable for 12 months in its powder form when stored at 25°C, and for 18 months in its liquid form when stored at 5°C. The additive is stable at 70°C for 15 seconds during pelleting. Homogeneity in feed was also demonstrated. No further concerns were raised for section II of the dossier. The additive can be considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. The additive should be regarded as a skin sensitiser in both its powder and liquid form. The liquid form of the additive is not a skin irritant. In its powder form, the additive should be considered a potential skin irritant. The additive should be considered an irritant to the eyes in both forms. As an enzyme preparation, the additive should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. VTR-xylanase is efficacious for weaned piglets, suckling piglets, minor growing porcine species, laying hens and other laying birds at 2,000 U/kg, and in chickens for fattening and minor avian species at 1,000 U/kg. The views of ACAF have been taken into account in the safety assessment which represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.