Scientific Opinion on the efficacy of Bentonite (dioctahedral montmorillonite) for all species

In a previous opinion on bentonite, the Panel concluded that it has the potential to be efficacious as aflatoxin binder in feed of dairy cows, and extended this conclusion to all ruminants. However, the Panel was not in a position to assess the efficacy of the bentonite under application as aflatoxin binder for any other animal species than ruminants due to the absence of data. The applicant has submitted a supplementary dossier to support the efficacy of the additive for all species. However, no new efficacy studies have been provided, only reference to published data. The FEEDAP Panel fully reviewed all data, considerations and statements provided by the applicant in the supplementary dossier. No convincing argument or experimental result could be found which would alter the former position of the Panel. The FEEDAP Panel reiterates therefore, its former conclusion that it can not assess the efficacy of the bentonite under application as aflatoxin binder for any other animal species than ruminants due to the absence of appropriate in vivo data.