Safety and efficacy of the feed additives -anethole and eugenol for use in all avian species (ADISSEO, ADM, AGOLIN (Ireland) Ltd, Cargill, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., LABORATORIES PHODE, Norel S.A.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of 1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-()-enyl)benzene (-anethole) and eugenol as sensory feed additives for all avian species. The additives are already authorised for use in all animal species except fish and poultry. The additives under assessment, -anethole (from either chemical synthesis or natural origin) and eugenol of natural origin, are considered of no safety concern for species (chickens and turkeys) for fattening and of being very unlikely to induce adverse effects in long-living and reproductive animals (laying hens) up to the maximum proposed use levels of 25 mg/kg complete feed. These conclusions are extrapolated to physiologically-related minor species. No safety concern would be expected for the consumer of animal products from the use of -anethole and eugenol up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The use of -anethole and eugenol as feed additives is considered safe for the environment. Regarding user safety, -anethole is not irritant to skin and eyes but is a dermal sensitiser. Eugenol is irritant to skin and eyes and is a dermal sensitiser. When handling -anethole or eugenol, exposure of unprotected users to estragole or methyleugenol may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since -anethole and eugenol are used in food as flavourings, and their function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.