Safety and efficacy of sorbitan monolaurate as a feed additive for all animal species.

The additive sorbitan monolaurate consists of sorbitol (and its anhydrides) esterified with fatty acids derived from coconut oil. It is intended to be used as a technological additive, functional group: emulsifier, in feedingstuffs for all animal species, at a maximum concentration of 85 mg/kg complete feed. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that sorbitan monolaurate is safe for all animal species at the proposed maximum content of 85 mg/kg complete feed and that the use of sorbitan monolaurate in animal nutrition is not expected to pose a risk for the consumer under the proposed conditions of use. Users are unlikely to be exposed to sorbitan monolaurate via inhalation. Sorbitan monolaurate is irritant to skin and eyes and it is not considered a skin sensitiser. Owing the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of the additive for the environment. Sorbitan monolaurate is authorised for use as a food additive with the function of emulsifier. The technological effect underlying its use as a food additive could reasonably be expected to be seen when used in feed.