Safety and efficacy of L-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on L-threonine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The product under assessment is L-threonine produced by fermentation with a strain of C. glutamicum ( ). L-Threonine produced by C. glutamicum is considered safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the safety of the simultaneous oral administration of L-threonine via water for drinking and feed. L-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum is safe for the consumer. The additive is not a skin or eye irritant and is not a skin sensitiser. Although the workers can be exposed by inhalation, the results of an acute inhalation study showed that risk of adverse effects by inhalation is low. L-Threonine produced using C. glutamicum is safe for the environment. The product under assessment is considered an efficacious source of the amino acid L-threonine for all animal species. For L-threonine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.