Scientific Opinion on the safety of Hostazym® C (endo-1,4-beta-glucanase) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, all other birds for fattening and piglets (weaned)

Hostazym® C is an enzyme preparation of glucanase produced by a non-genetically modified strain of Trichoderma citrinoviride. In 2013, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the product as a feed additive for poultry and pigs. The Panel could not conclude on the safety for the target species, the consumer and the user because the presence of genotoxic activity in the fermentation product could not be excluded. The applicant provided new experimental data to support the safety of the fermentation product used to formulate the additive. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the fermentation product used to formulate Hostazym® C is unlikely to present a genotoxic hazard. Taking also into consideration the findings of the previous opinion, Hostazym® C is considered safe for target animals and consumers. With regard to user safety, the conclusion of the previous opinion that the additive should be considered a potential skin and eye irritant, and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, applies.