EFSA Journal (Nov 2024)

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of ponceau 4R for its use in baits for freshwater fish (GIFAP)

  • EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP),
  • Roberto Edoardo Villa,
  • Giovanna Azimonti,
  • Eleftherios Bonos,
  • Henrik Christensen,
  • Mojca Durjava,
  • Birgit Dusemund,
  • Ronette Gehring,
  • Boet Glandorf,
  • Maryline Kouba,
  • Marta López‐Alonso,
  • Francesca Marcon,
  • Carlo Nebbia,
  • Alena Pechová,
  • Miguel Prieto‐Maradona,
  • Ilen Röhe,
  • Katerina Theodoridou,
  • Maria Bastos,
  • Georges Bories,
  • Paul Brantom,
  • Jürgen Gropp,
  • Kettil Svensson,
  • Luca Tosti,
  • Antonio Finizio,
  • Anna Dioni,
  • Jaume Galobart,
  • Orsolya Holczknecht,
  • Fabiola Pizzo,
  • Maria Vittoria Vettori,
  • Angelica Amaduzzi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.9072
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 11
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of ponceau 4R as sensory additives (functional group: (a) colourants: (i) substances that add or restore colour in feedingstuffs). The additive is already authorised for use with cats and dogs and ornamental fish. The additive is intended to be incorporated in freshwater fishing baits up to a maximum of 15 mg/kg in complementary feed in order to colour them. The additive is intended to be incorporated into feed directly in solid form or via an aqueous solution. The additive is not intended for use in aquaculture. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that ponceau 4R is considered safe when used in fish baits for freshwater fish at the maximum proposed dose of 15 mg/kg complementary feed. The use of the feed additive ponceau 4R fish baits for freshwater fish under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. Ponceau 4R is not skin irritant but should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the eye irritation potential of the additive. In absence of data no conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of ponceau 4R in freshwater fish baits.

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