Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of AviMatrix® (benzoic acid, calcium formate and fumaric acid) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, minor avian species for fattening and minor avian species reared to point of lay

AviMatrix® is a granulated preparation of benzoic acid, calcium formate and fumaric acid encapsulated in a lipid matrix. The additive is intended to be used as a zootechnical additive in feedingstuffs for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, minor avian species for fattening and minor avian species reared to point of lay with a minimum content of 250 mg/kg complete feed and no maximum content. Tolerance studies in chickens for fattening tested the effects of high ingestions of the additive on the birds’ health and performance. The available tolerance data are considered insufficient to draw conclusions on the safety of AviMatrix® at the proposed use level for the target species. Consumer exposure to the active substances (benzoic acid, calcium formate and fumaric acid) or other ingredients of the additive is not expected to be increased by the use of AviMatrix® as a feed additive under the conditions of use proposed by the applicant. Given the particle size distribution and low dusting potential of AviMatrix®, the exposure of workers by inhalation and the subsequent health risks are expected to be low. AviMatrix® is not considered to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. The use of AviMatrix® in animal nutrition will not pose a risk to the environment. Given the limited and inconsistent evidence of efficacy that has been provided, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) is not in a position to draw a definitive conclusion on the efficacy of the additive.