Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of zinc compounds (E6) as feed additives for all animal species: Zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate, based on a dossier submitted by Zinpro Animal Nutrition Inc.

Zinc from zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate would not exert additional or different adverse effects in target species than those observed for zinc from authorised inorganic sources. Consequently it is concluded that the zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate is a safe source of zinc for all animal species, considering the maximum authorised contents for total zinc in feedingstuffs. The use of zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate as feed additive is not expected to modify the current consumer exposure to zinc. Therefore, no concerns for consumer safety are expected from the use of zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate in animal nutrition up to the maximum authorised levels of total zinc in feedingstuffs. The additive should be considered as a skin and eye irritant and, due to its amino acid/peptide component, as a skin sensitiser. The risk of exposure by inhalation would be low. The use of zinc as a feed additive does not pose a direct concern for the soil compartment. However, there is a potential environmental concern related to drainage and run-off of zinc to surface water. Most vulnerable for these processes are acid sandy soils. In order to draw a final conclusion, some further refinement to the assessment of zinc-based feed additives in livestock needs to be considered, for which additional data would be required. The use of zinc-containing feed additives in aquaculture up to maximum authorised zinc level in feeds is not expected to pose an appreciable risk to the environment. Zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate is recognised as an efficacious source of zinc in meeting animal requirements.