Safety and efficacy of iron compounds (E1) as feed additives for all species: ferric oxide based on a dossier submitted by Poortershaven Industriële Mineralen B.V.

The additive under assessment, ferric oxide, contains between 57% and 69% iron (Fe). The EFSA FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of ferric oxide for the target animals owing to that (i) the application of ferric oxide red is for all animal species, (ii) lifetime administration to animals is not excluded and (iii) a sufficient biological and toxicological database was not available. Regarding (i) the very low absorption of iron from the ferric oxide by target animals and (ii) the homoeostatic regulation of iron metabolism in animals, any influence of feeding the ferric oxide on the iron content of edible tissues and products is not expected. The use of ferric oxide in animal nutrition is unlikely to result in a direct exposure of the consumer to this oxide. Consequently, the supplementation of feed for food-producing animals with ferric oxide would likely not constitute a risk to consumers. Ferric oxide is an irritant to skin and eyes by mechanical action. Owing to the nickel content in the additive, the ferric oxide should be regarded as dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation of ferric oxide, and the contained chromium and nickel, is a hazard; as exposure by inhalation is likely, handling ferric oxide would be a risk for the users. As there is concern about the possible genotoxicity of ferric oxide, any route of exposure should be considered as hazardous. Iron oxides are ubiquitous in the environment. Any additional input from the nutritional use of ferric oxide in food-producing animals is considered negligible. It is unlikely that the use of the additive in animal nutrition would pose a risk to the environment. Ferric oxide should not be considered as iron source capable to meet iron requirements of animals.