Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of the seed husk of Plantago ovata Forssk. for use in cats and dogs (C.I.A.M.)

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the seed husk of Plantago ovata Forssk. when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. The additive is described as a mixture of mucopolysaccharides and specification is given as swelling index ≥ 40, which is considered as the marker parameter. Since the composition of the additive remained uncharacterised, and considering the limitations in the toxicological data set, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety for the target species. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. In the absence of evidence that the additive acts as a flavour in animal feed or has an effect on palatability, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive.