Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of capsaicin for all animal species (XP Chemistries AB)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of capsaicin as a sensory feed additive for all animal species (flavouring compounds). The additive is specified to have a purity of at least 98% with a ratio of <i>(E)-</i>capsaicin (<i>trans</i>-capsaicin) to <i>(Z)-</i>capsaicin (<i>cis-</i>capsaicin) of ≥ 6:1. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive capsaicin is safe at the recommended maximum use level proposed by the applicant (6.5 mg/kg complete feed) for use in all poultry species, all porcine species, all bovines, ovines, caprines, cervids and camelids, all equids, leporids, salmonids and minor fin fish species, dogs, ornamental birds and ornamental fish. For cats and other species not considered above, 5.3 mg/kg complete feed is considered safe. The use of capsaicin as a feed additive is considered safe for consumers and the environment. Capsaicin is a skin and respiratory irritant and is assumed to be an eye irritant. It is not a dermal sensitiser. Any exposure of users is considered a risk. The Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious as a flavouring additive in feed for all animal species under the proposed conditions of use.