Safety and efficacy of selenium compounds (E8) as feed additives for all animal species: sodium selenite, based on a dossier submitted by Todini and Co SpA

Selenium is an essential trace element for vertebrates, involved in a series of vital metabolic functions. Sodium selenite is a safe and efficacious source of selenium for all animal species/categories. The use of sodium selenite as a source of selenium in animal nutrition is safe for the consumer, provided that the total maximum authorised content of selenium in complete feed is respected. The additive is an irritant to the skin, eyes and mucosae, whereas it is not a skin sensitiser. Systemic exposure to selenium could result from dermal contact. Users/workers handling the additive would be exposed to selenium by inhalation at levels which constitute a risk. The use of sodium selenite in animal nutrition up to the maximum authorised content in feed would not raise concerns to the environment. (C) European Food Safety Authority, 2016