Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l‐valine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 2022134 for all animal species (Welding GmbH & Co. KG)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l‐valine produced with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli CCTCC M 2022134 as a nutritional additive for feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The l‐valine manufactured by fermentation with E. coli CCTCC M 2022134 does not give rise to any safety concern regarding the genetic modifications of the production strain. No viable cells nor DNA of the production strain were detected in the final product. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of l‐valine produced with E. coli CCTCC M 2022134 in feed is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to the nutritional needs of the species. The FEEDAP Panel expressed concerns on the use of l‐valine in water for drinking. The use in animal nutrition of l‐valine produced by fermentation with E. coli CCTCC M 2022134 was considered safe for the consumers of products from animals receiving the additive, and for the environment. Regarding the safety for the user, the additive is considered irritant to the eyes and the respiratory tract. No conclusion can be made on its potential to be irritant to skin or dermal sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation or via the eyes is considered a risk. The additive is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l‐valine for all non‐ruminant species. To be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminants, it should be protected from ruminal degradation.