Safety and efficacy of hydroxypropyl cellulose for all animal species.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on hydroxypropyl cellulose as a feed additive for all animal species. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is intended for use as a technological additive (functional groups: emulsifier, stabiliser and thickener) in premixtures and feedingstuffs for all animal species with no minimum and maximum content. A proper identification and characterisation of hydroxypropyl cellulose as required for a feed additive is not available and the occurrence of potential toxic impurities cannot be assessed. The following conclusions apply only to hydroxypropyl cellulose meeting the food additive specifications. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that hydroxypropyl cellulose is considered safe for all animal species. The use of hydroxypropyl cellulose in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of hydroxypropyl cellulose for the user. The use of hydroxypropyl cellulose as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The additive is considered to be efficacious in feedingstuffs for all animal species.