Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium carbonate (soda ash) for all species

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium carbonate (soda ash) used as technological feed additive (functional group acidity regulator) for all animal species. It is an approved food additive without restrictions. On the basis of the existing use in food, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that sodium carbonate is safe for all animal species, the consumers and the users. At levels typically used in animal feed, sodium carbonate is not expected either to pose a risk for the environment. Sodium carbonate is a well-known component of many buffer solutions. However, the relevance of its buffering capacity in feed materials is not demonstrated.