Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of copper compounds (E4) as feed additives for all animal species (cupric acetate, monohydrate; basic cupric carbonate, monohydrate; cupric chloride, dihydrate; cupric oxide; cupric sulphate, pentahydrate; cupric chelate of amino acids, hydrate; cupric chelate of glycine, hydrate), based on a dossier submitted by FEFANA asbl

The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) has assessed seven copper compounds in the current application: cupric acetate, monohydrate; basic cupric carbonate, monohydrate; cupric chloride, dihydrate; cupric oxide; cupric sulphate, pentahydrate; cupric chelate of amino acids, hydrate; cupric chelate of glycine, hydrate. These compounds are safe sources of copper for all animal species/categories when used up to maximum authorised copper levels in feed. The use of copper compounds in water for drinking is considered unsafe for ovine and certain breeds of dogs and cats; for all other animal species/categories the simultaneous application of copper compounds via feed and water for drinking should be avoided. No concerns for consumer safety are expected from the use of the copper compounds under application in animal nutrition when used up to the maximum EU-authorised levels in feed. The additives under assessment should be treated as irritant to the skin and eye and skin sensitisers, and should be considered as hazardous by inhalation. Copper chelate of amino acids, hydrate, should also be considered a sensitiser by inhalation. The presence of nickel in the additives may induce contact dermatitis in workers; because of its nickel content, cupric sulphate, pentahydrate, would represent an additional hazard by inhalation to users. Potential risks to soil organisms have been identified after the application of piglet manure; there might be a potential concern related to sediment contamination with copper. Drawing final conclusions would need further model validation and refinement to the assessment of copper-based additives in livestock. The use of copper compounds in aquaculture is not expected to pose a risk. The extent to which copper-resistant bacteria contribute to the overall antibiotic resistance situation cannot be quantified at present. The copper compounds under assessment are efficacious in meeting animal requirements.