Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of tetra-basic zinc chloride for all animal species

The additive tetra-basic zinc chloride (TBZC) consists of ≥ 84 % zinc chloride hydroxide monohydrate, ≤ 9 % zinc oxide and about 5 % starch. The additive TBZC is a safe source of zinc for all animal species, considering the maximum contents for total zinc in feedingstuffs set by the European Union. The use of the additive TBZC as a source of zinc in animal nutrition would not lead to different zinc concentrations in food of animal origin compared with another authorised inorganic zinc source, and consequently it is considered safe for consumers. The additive TBZC should be considered as a potential irritant to skin and eyes and a potential skin sensitiser. The risk of respiratory exposure is considered to be minimal. The use of zinc-containing feed additives does not pose a direct environmental concern for agricultural soils, but the available data were not sufficient to exclude any risk related to drainage and the run-off of zinc to surface water. The use of zinc-containing additives in aquaculture up to maximum authorised zinc level in feeds is not expected to pose an appreciable risk to the environment. The additive TBZC is an efficacious source of zinc in terms of meeting animal requirements.