Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of ammonium chloride for bovines, sheep, dogs and cats

Ammonium chloride is applied as an acidity regulator of feed for bovines, sheep, dogs and cats. Its efficacy as an acidity regulator of feed has not been demonstrated. However, ammonium chloride effectively reduces the pH of the urine in ruminants, dogs and cats. The effective minimum dose depends on the anion-cation ratio of the diet. The safety of ammonium chloride is assessed on the basis of open literature with a certain level of uncertainty. The sensitivity of the target species to dietary ammonium chloride appears to be different, ruminants showing a higher tolerance than dogs. High doses (> 1 % ammonium chloride in complete feed) result in metabolic acidosis and an increase in renal excretion of calcium and magnesium, and also potassium in cats and dogs. A feed concentration of 1 % ammonium chloride is considered safe for ruminants for approximately three months. For an unlimited period of administration, 0.5 % ammonium chloride in complete feed for ruminants, cats and dogs should not be exceeded. As both ions of ammonium chloride will be rapidly excreted, no increase in the endogenous concentration of these ions in tissues and products is expected. The use of ammonium chloride in animal nutrition does not therefore raise any concerns for consumer safety. Ammonium chloride is an eye irritant, a potential irritant to skin and the digestive tract and potentially harmful if swallowed, may cause systemic toxicity by acidosis, and should be considered as a skin sensitiser. Ammonium chloride fumes are regarded as a potential respiratory sensitiser. Ammonium chloride will not be excreted as such, but rather as urea and ammonium and chloride ions. All these compounds are natural substances in animal excreta. The use of ammonium chloride at dietary levels considered safe for ruminants does not therefore pose a risk for the environment. (C) European Food Safety Authority, 2012