Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I‐3231, Ligilactobacillus salivarius CNCM I‐3233, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I‐4901, Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I‐3227 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I‐3993 (FlorEquilibre® Chat) for cats (WAMINE SAS)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of FlorEquilibre® Chat when used as a zootechnical additive (functional groups: gut flora stabilisers) for cats. The product under assessment is based on viable cells of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-3993, Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-3231, Ligilactobacillus salivarius CNCM I-3233, Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-3227 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-4901. All five strains were suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strains was established, and no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were detected, except in B. animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-3993. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strains, except for CNCM I-3993, is presumed safe for the target species and the environment. The Panel also concluded that the use of B. animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-3993 represents a safety concern for the target species, the users and the environment because the strain harbours an acquired antimicrobial resistance gene (tet(W)). Therefore, FlorEquilibre® Chat is considered not safe for the target species, users and the environment. Regarding user safety, FlorEquilibre® Chat is an eye and skin irritant, and a skin and respiratory sensitiser and exposure via any route is considered a risk. Based on the data provided, the Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive for cats.