Safety of a feed additive consisting of 3-phytase produced with CECT 13171 (FSF10000/FLF1000) for poultry species, pigs for fattening and minor porcine species for fattening (Fertinagro Biotech S.L.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of the feed additive consisting of 3-phytase produced with a genetically modified strain of (CECT 13171). The additive is intended to be used as a zootechnical additive for poultry species, pigs for fattening and minor porcine species for fattening. In a previous opinion, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substance used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel could not conclude on the taxonomic identification of the production strain. Moreover, the presence of viable cells of the production strain in the final formulations of the product could not be excluded. Therefore, no conclusions could be drawn on the safety for the target species, consumers, users and environment. In the present submission, the applicant provided supplementary information regarding the characterisation of the production strain and the absence of its viable cells in the final product. Based on the data provided, the identification of CECT 13171 as was confirmed and no viable cells of the production strain were detected in the final formulations of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the 3-phytase produced with the genetically modified strain CECT 13171 does not give rise to any safety concern as regard to the production strain. Consequently, the additive, in both its liquid and solid formulations, is safe for the target species, consumers, users and environment.