Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL is the trade name for a preparation of a strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus. EFSA was requested to re-evaluate the additive when used in feed for laying hens at a minimum dose of 1 × 109 CFU/kg feed and to assess the safety and efficacy of its use in water for drinking for the same species. The identity of L. acidophilus has been established and no resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics has been detected. The strain satisfies the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment and, thus, is presumed safe for the target animals, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive, and the environment. The additive should be considered to be an eye/skin irritant and a skin/respiratory sensitiser and treated accordingly. On the basis of three studies performed with laying hens, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL has the potential to increase laying intensity and significantly improve the feed-to-egg mass ratio at the proposed dose of 1 × 109 CFU/kg feed. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the results are independent of the mode of administration, provided that exposure is the same and that the equivalent dose in water for drinking would be 3–5 × 108 CFU/L.
