Modification of terms of authorisation of Natuphos® (3-phytase) as feed additive for pigs for fattening

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the modification of terms of authorisation of Natuphos® for pigs for fattening. The additive Natuphos® is a preparation of 3-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger. The existing authorisation establishes a minimum recommended dose for pigs for fattening of 280 FTU kg-1 feed. With the present application the applicant requests to lower the minimum recommended dose to 100 FTU kg-1. In three digestibility studies made with animals of body weights of 40, 70 and 100 kg, significant improvements of faecal P digestibility were observed with the supplementation of Natuphos® at 100 FTU kg-1. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that there is sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of Natuphos® in pigs for fattening at the lower minimum recommended dose of 100 FTU kg-1.