Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of propenylhydroxybenzenes (chemical group 17) when used as flavourings for all animal species

Isoeugenol is a flavouring compound belonging to chemical group 17, defined as ‘propenylhydroxybenzenes’. The additive is currently authorised for use as flavour in food and is naturally found in various herbs and plants. The use of isoeugenol as a flavour in feed for fish and other aquatic species is contra-indicated. The range of use levels of 1 to 5 mg/kg feed proposed by the applicant for isoeugenol is safe for all animal species (except fish) with a margin of safety in the range of 1 to 4. Considering the low margin of safety, the simultaneous administration of isoeugenol in feed and water for drinking for poultry should be avoided. The use of isoeugenol as flavour in non-dairy mammals up to the highest use levels proposed in feed is safe for the consumer. However, the lack of data on metabolism and residues in all other species and categories precludes an assessment of consumer exposure from these sources. No data on the safety for the user was provided. Based on the information available in the literature, the FEEDAP Panel considered isoeugenol as an irritant to the respiratory system, skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive in animal nutrition at the levels proposed is expected to be safe for the environment. Since isoeugenol is used in food as flavouring, and its function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.