Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of zinc chelate of _L-lysinate-HCl as feed additive for all animal species

Zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl for all animal species, provided as powder and granulate, is intended for use as zinc compound in animal nutrition. Tolerance studies with calves and weaned piglets allowed the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) to conclude that zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl is a safe source of zinc for all animal species, provided that the maximum zinc contents authorised in complete feed are respected. The supplementation of feeds with zinc from zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl up to the maximum authorised zinc levels is not expected to result in a different zinc deposition in edible tissues/products than the standard inorganic source zinc sulphate heptahydrate. No concerns for consumer safety will arise from the use of the additive in animal nutrition. Zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl in the powder form poses a risk to users by inhalation, whilst for the granulate form that risk is minimised. Neither form, powder or granulate, is a dermal irritant; however, both forms are irritant to the eye. In the absence of specific information, the additive should be regarded as a potential skin sensitiser. Zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl is intended to be a substitute for other authorised zinc additives. It will therefore not further increase the environmental burden of zinc. Based on a study on weaned piglets, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that zinc chelate of L-lysinate-HCl is efficacious as a source of zinc in meeting the requirements of all animal species. The Panel made some recommendations regarding the Description and Conditions of use of the additive.