Opinion of the Scientific Panel on additives and products or substances used in animal feed (FEEDAP) on the safety of the enzyme preparation Finase as a feed additive for laying hens

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) delivered an opinion on 27 January 2004 on the safety of the enzyme preparation Finase produced by Trichoderma reesei, for the target species laying hens, turkeys for fattening and sows. Based on the data provided by the applicant, a safety assessment for laying hens could not be done at that time. Following that opinion, the applicant has submitted new tolerance data to support the extension of the authorisation to laying hens. A 24 week tolerance study carried out with layers with ten times the maximum recommended dose (10000 Phytase Units kg-1) of Finase showed no evidence of negative effects on any of the production or egg parameters studied. Furthermore, Finase at ten times overdose did not negatively affect tibia development or alter weigth of liver, spleen or kidney. Blood parameters were not affected by treatment. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Finase is safe for laying hens.