Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of the product VevoVitall (R) as a feed additive for weaned piglets in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003

VevoVitall (R), a product consisting of 99.9% benzoic acid, is proposed as a feed additive (category: zootechnical additives; functional group: other zootechnical additives) for weaned piglets (weight up to 35 kg) to be incorporated directly in feedingstuffs, at concentration of 0.5% in complete feed. Benzoic acid and its derivatives are widely distributed in plants, including those used in feeds. Benzoic acid has been previously authorised at Community level as "acidity regulator" for pigs for fattening at levels of 0.5-1% complete feed and it has been evaluated by the Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition (SCAN) in 2002 as regards efficacy and safety for target animals, consumer, user and the environment. Limited data indicate that VevoVitall (R) directly added to pig feed is stable for at least six months. Adequate control methods in feeds and animals products are available. The results of three performance trials provide evidence that inclusion of 0.5% benzoic acid from VevoVitall (R) in complete feed for weaned piglets improves performance parameters (weight gain or feed/ gain) in piglets up to 25 kg. The tolerance study was performed with 0.5% and 1% benzoic acid supplied as VevoVitall (R) in feed. An increase in gastric lesions was noted at a dose level of 1% benzoic acid in feed. A safety margin for the use of benzoic acid in piglets could not be determined but was less than a factor of two. Benzoic acid at the concentration recommended for use appears to reduce a number of lactic acid bacteria in the stomach and Enterobacteriaceae in the caecum, without otherwise adversely affecting the gut microbiota. An accumulation of benzoic acid or its metabolites is not to be expected in piglets. No new data are available that may justify a modification of the previous SCAN opinion, concluding that the compound does not present any significant risk for consumers. According to EU legislation, benzoic acid is considered a substance not subject to MRLs. For user safety no new data are available that would require a modification of the SCAN position. The SCAN recommended appropriate labeling due to the potential of benzoic acid to induce skin and eye irritation. SCAN further recommended that measures should be taken in order to minimize the production of respirable dust from this product. The FEEDAP Panel supports these recommendations. The use of VevoVitall (R) as feed additive for piglets does not pose any significant concern for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel does not foresee a need for specific requirements of post market monitoring.