Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of the product “Biomin IMB 52” a preparation of Enterococcus faecium as a feed additive for chickens for fattening in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003

Biomin IMB 52 is a microbial feed additive based on a single strain of Enterococcus faecium DSM 3530. This product has been provisionally authorized at Community level for calves. The notifier is now seeking authorization for an extension of use for chickens for fattening. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested to deliver an opinion on the safety of Biomin IMB 52 for chickens for fattening, the consumer, the user of the product and the environment and its efficacy, when used as a feed additive in feedingstuff at the recommended doses (2.5 x 108 – 2.5 x 109 CFU kg-1). The results of three growth trials provide evidence that inclusion of E. faecium at a minimum dose of 5 x 108 CFU kg-1 from Biomin IMB 52 in complete feed improves weight gain of chickens for fattening. The FEEDAP Panel considers Biomin IMB 52 safe for the target animals. No adverse effects were found in chickens given Biomin IMB 52 at ten-times the maximum recommended dose over the entire production period. Microbiological analysis of the gut flora of birds given Biomin IMB 52 at the minimum recommended dose did not show any significant differences compared to control animals. MIC values for all antibiotics tested were below the FEEDAP breakpoints indicating the absence of resistance against antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. The E. faecium DSM 3530 was also shown free from known virulence determinants as well as of genes encoding sex pheromones. The safety for the consumer, user and the environment of this product have been previously addressed by SCAN with a favourable outcome. The FEEDAP Panel is not aware of any new information that would require a revision of these conclusions.