Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l‐arginine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80393 for all animal species (Daesang Europe BV)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l-arginine produced with a genetically modified strain of <i>Corynebacterium glutamicum</i> (KCCM 80393) when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The Panel concluded that the product under assessment does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the genetic modification of the production strain. No DNA of the production strain was detected in the final product. l-Arginine produced by fermentation with <i>C. glutamicum</i> KCCM 80393 is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to the nutritional needs of the target species. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the use of l-arginine in water for drinking. The use of l-arginine produced by fermentation with <i>C. glutamicum</i> KCCM 80393 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumers and for the environment. Regarding the user safety, in the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and/or eyes, or to be a dermal or respiratory sensitiser. The additive l-arginine produced by fermentation with <i>C. glutamicum</i> KCCM 80393 is regarded as an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-arginine for non-ruminant nutrition. For the supplemental l-arginine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.