Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensis NRRL B-67647, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-67648 and Bacillus licheniformis NRRL B-67649 (Microsaf®) for chickens for fattening, other poultry for fattening and ornamental birds (S.I. Lesaffre)

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Microsaf® when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, other poultry for fattening and ornamental birds. The product under assessment is based on viable cells/spores of Bacillus velezensis NRRL B-67647, Bacillus pumilus NRRL B-67648 and Bacillus licheniformis NRRL B-67649. The three bacterial species are considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strains was clearly established, no acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected and the lack of toxigenic potential was corroborated, the FEEDAP Panel considered the use of the active agents safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Since no concerns are expected from the other components of the additive, the Panel concluded that Microsaf® is also considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive is not irritant to the skin or eyes provided it is formulated with only calcium carbonate. The additive should be considered skin and respiratory sensitisers, and any exposure via skin or respiratory tract is considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to improve the zootechnical performance of chickens for fattening at a proposed minimum inclusion level of 3 × 10⁷ total CFU/kg of complete feedingstuffs. These results are extrapolable to other poultry for fattening and ornamental birds. Microsaf® is compatible with diclazuril, narasin, maduramicin ammonium, salinomycin sodium, monensin sodium, robenidine hydrochloride and the combination narasin/nicarbazin, lasalocid and halofuginone.