Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) for use in cats (FEDIAF)

Following a request from the European Commission, the 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 butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) when used as a technological additive (antioxidant) in feed for cats. BHA is a waxy solid consisting for > 98.5% of the active substance, a mixture of 3‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyanisole and 2‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyanisole and is currently authorised for use in all animal species except in cats. In support of the safety of the additive for the target species, the applicant has submitted a tolerance study which demonstrated that BHA is tolerated by cats at a concentration up to 150 mg/kg complete feed. The additive should be considered a skin, eye irritant and a potential skin sensitiser. Exposure of the user via inhalation was considered unlikely; therefore, a risk is not expected. BHA is authorised as an antioxidant for food use at comparable use levels; therefore, no studies were required to demonstrate the efficacy of BHA as an antioxidant in complete feed for cats.