European Union assesses the safety of lasalocid sodium as a feed additive for fattening chickens and laying hens

On December 21, 2022, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), at the request of the European Commission, the European Union Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) Research Group on lasalocid A sodium as fattening chicken and egg production Publishes a scientific opinion on the safety of chicken feed additives.

After evaluation, the expert panel concluded that the additive was effective in controlling coccidiosis in finisher and laying hens when the additive was present at 90 mg per kg of complete feed. Part of the original report is as follows:

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the coccidiostat lasalocid A sodium (Avatec® 150G) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. Taking into account the results of all tolerance studies submitted for the re-evaluation of the additive, the FEEDAP Panel considers that lasalocid A sodium from Avatec®150G is safe at a maximum content of 90 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening. A margin of safety cannot be established. No conclusion on the safety of lasalocid for chickens reared for laying can be made. Three new floor pen studies showed efficacy of 90 mg lasalocid A sodium/kg complete feed reducing the adverse clinical consequences of an Eimeria infection in chickens for fattening. Considering also the previously reported positive floor pen study and the three positive anticoccidial sensitivity tests, the FEEDAP Panel can conclude on an efficient coccidiostatic level of 90 mg lasalocid A sodium/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening. This conclusion is extended to chickens reared for laying.