Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of FRESTA® F for weaned piglets

FRESTA® F is a preparation of partially micro-encapsulated essential oils from caraway and lemon, dried spices and dried herbs intended for use in weaned piglets at a recommended dose range of 250–400 mg/kg complete feedingstuff. The FEEDAP Panel identifies carvone and limonene as the marker compounds. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is safe for weaned piglets at the maximum proposed dose and with a margin of safety of about five. Considering the major compounds found in FRESTA® F (carvone, limonene and citral), the consumer exposure to any residues is likely to be very low and well within the range of exposures already considered acceptable for food use. The FEEDAP Panel therefore concludes that the use of FRESTA® F as an additive in the feed of weaned piglets presents no risk for the consumer. The FEEDAP Panel considers the product as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Given the particle size distribution and the high dusting potential the handling of this product could be hazardous. FRESTA® F consists of naturally occurring substances derived from plants and normally would not require an assessment of the safety for the environment. Since the major compound carvone is a registered pesticide, Phase I assessment was considered advisable. Based on this assessment, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that FRESTA® F at the recommended doses is safe for the environment. FRESTA® F at the minimum proposed dose (250 mg/kg complete feed) has the potential to improve the growth rate of weaned piglets.