Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of L-valine produced by Escherichia coli NITE SD 00066 for all animal species

The additive L-valine is produced by a strain of Escherichia coli (NITE SD 00066) obtained by chemical mutagenesis. The additive L-valine is safe for all animal target species/categories when used in appropriate amounts to supplement feed to compensate for a valine deficiency in feedingstuffs. The composition of tissues and products of animal origin will not be changed by the use of L-valine in animal nutrition. Considering the high purity of the product under assessment, no risks are expected for the consumer from its use as a feed additive. In the absence of any data, it would be prudent to consider L-valine produced by E. coli NITE SD 00066 to be an irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes, a potential dermal sensitiser and potentially harmful by inhalation. The amino acid L-valine is a natural component of plants and animals. The use of the product L-valine under assessment in animal nutrition does not represent a risk to the environment. The product L-valine is considered to be an efficacious source of the amino acid L-valine for all non-ruminant species. Supplementary free amino acid valine is degraded by ruminal microorganisms if it is not given in a protected form.