Safety and efficacy of ECONASE XT (endo-1,4-β-xylanase) as a feed additive for laying hens.

ECONASE XT is an enzyme preparation with endo-1,4-β-xylanase which is authorised as a feed additive for chickens for fattening or reared for laying, turkeys for fattening or reared for breeding, laying hens, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening and minor poultry species. The authorisation of the additive for laying hens is at 24,000 BXU/kg feed. The applicant asked for a modification on the conditions of use in laying hens, which consists in the reduction of the minimum recommended level from 24,000 BXU/kg feed to 12,000 BXU/kg feed. In previous opinions, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) assessed the safety of the product when used as a feed additive and concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive raises no concerns for consumer safety and no risks for the environment are expected. The Panel also concluded that the additive is non-irritant to the skin, and the liquid form is non-irritant to the eyes and is not a dermal sensitiser; however, it is considered a respiratory sensitiser. Regarding the use of the additive in laying hens, the Panel concluded that under the conditions of use the additive is safe for laying hens and that it can be efficacious at 24,000 BXU/kg. The results of the studies previously assessed showed in two cases improvements on the efficacy at the dose of 12,000 BXU/kg or below. The applicant provided two new studies which showed improvements at the new recommended dose on the performance of the laying hens in one trial and on the energy content in another trial. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the additive has a potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in laying hens at the dose of 12,000 BXU/kg feed.