Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the leaves of Agathosma betulina (P.J. Bergius) Pillans (buchu leaf oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl)

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 an essential oil from the leaves of Agathosma betulina (P.J. Bergius) Pillans (buchu leaf oil), when used as a sensory additive (flavouring) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the essential oil under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 0.1 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 0.15 mg/kg for laying hens, turkeys for fattening and rabbits, 0.20 mg/kg for piglets, 0.25 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 0.30 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 0.45 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 0.5 for veal calves (milk replacer), fish, ornamental fish and dogs. For cats, the calculated maximum safe level in feed is 0.2 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the use of the additive up to the highest safe levels in feed. The essential oil under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Buchu leaf oil was recognised to flavour food. Since its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.