Safety Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of a Feed Additive Consisting of Sodium Bisulphate for All Animal Species Except Aquatic Animals (RP1612)

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in July 2022 from Grillo-Werke AG and Jones-Hamilton Co. (‘the applicant’) for a renewal authorisation of the additive containing sodium bisulphate, under the category ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘preservative’ for all terrestrial animal species, and ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘acidity regulator’ for all terrestrial animal species other than cats, mink, pets and other non-food-producing animals. In addition, the applicant requested an authorisation of new use of the additive under the category ‘technological additive’, functional group ‘acidity regulator’ and ‘sensory additive’, functional group ‘flavouring compound’ for all pets and other non-food-producing animals except aquatic animals. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) concluded that sodium bisulphate remains safe for all terrestrial animal species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment, under the conditions of authorisation. The additive is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and should be considered as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that using the additive as an acidity regulator and sensory additive for pets and other non-food-producing animals, excluding aquatic species, would not introduce any new risks and has the potential to be efficacious. FSA/FSS has reviewed the applicant’s renewal and extension of use application, supporting documentation, and other regulators risk assessments, most notably the EFSA risk assessment opinion and consider sufficient evidence has been demonstrated to conclude without further questions or risk assessment. This document represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.