EFSA revises opinion on mineral clay additive

By Jane Byrne

- Last updated on GMT

EFSA revises opinion on mineral clay additive
German feed additives firm, FIM Biotech, has won EFSA approval for its Friedland clay product in terms of its binding and anti-caking efficacy after filling the holes in supporting data. 

The montmorillonite–illite mixed layer clay mineral is intended for use in all animal species and categories as a binder and anti-caking agent at a maximum concentration of 20 000 mg/kg complete feed.

In October last year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel on additives and products or substances used in animal feed, FEEDAP, said it could not conclude on the effectiveness of the clay mineral.

The Parma based experts said there was insufficient evidence provided by the producer to establish properties claimed for the additive.

The Commission allowed FIM Biotech to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the efficacy to enable a revision of the Authority’s opinion. The firm supplied the supporting evidence in April this year.

And, in an opinion released this week, the panel found the mineral clay has the potential to act as a binder and as an anticaking agent in feed for all animal species at a level of 2%.

Re-submission of supplementary data

Friedland clay is typically composed of montmorillonite, illite, quartz and kaolin and is found in a very specific area of Germany, where it is produced.

The clay is excavated, and after removal of gross contaminants such as stones, gravel and coarse siderite, it is ground and pelletized. The clay pellets, which contain 24 to 26% of water are then dried until a water content of 12% is reached, and they are then milled.

The opinion can be read here​.

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