Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of guanidinoacetic acid and its preparation (GuanAMINO®) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, chickens reared for reproduction, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for reproduction (Evonik Operations GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and its preparation (GuanAMINO®) as zootechnical additives for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, chickens reared for reproduction, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for reproduction. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that GAA and its preparation GuanAMINO® are safe for chickens for fattening and reared for laying/reproduction and for turkeys for fattening and reared for reproduction when used up to the maximum proposed use level of 1200 mg guanidinoacetic acid/kg complete feed. The same conclusion applies for its use in water at 600 mg guanidinoacetic acid/L in water for drinking. However, considering the variability in water intake and the fact that no margin of safety was identified for chickens for fattening, attention should be paid to ensure that the exposure via water does not exceed the maximum safe level of the additive when administered via feed. The Panel concluded that the use of the additives under the proposed conditions of use is of no concern for the consumer and the environment. GAA and GuanAMINO® are not irritant to the skin or eyes and are not skin sensitisers. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that GAA and GuanAMINO® do not raise safety concerns for the user. The FEEDAP Panel considers that GAA and GuanAMINO® are efficacious in chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying/reproduction and turkeys for fattening and reared for reproduction when guanidinoacetic acid is used at the minimum use level of 600 mg/kg complete feed or 300 mg/L water.