EU Renews Authorization of Potassium Diformate as a Feed Additive for Sows

The renewal of this authorization falls under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, which governs additives used in animal nutrition. The preparation of potassium diformate had initially received authorization for a period of 10 years, as per Commission Regulation (EU) No 104/2010.

The decision to renew the authorization was informed by assessments conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA concluded that the preparation of potassium diformate remains safe for sows, consumers, and the environment, provided that the authorized conditions of use are followed. The assessment found no effects requiring specific user protection measures except for potential ocular irritation.

The renewal specifies that potassium diformate is classified as a zootechnical additive in the functional group "other zootechnical additives (improvement of performance parameters)." This classification is in line with the current approach for authorizing additives in this category, aimed at enhancing the performance parameters of sows.

The conditions of authorization, outlined in the Annex of the regulation, stipulate that the maximum content of potassium diformate should not exceed 12,000 mg/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12% when used as a zootechnical additive for sows. Additionally, the simultaneous use of different organic acids or their salts is contraindicated where one or more of them are used at or near the maximum permitted content.

To address potential risks associated with the use of this additive and premixtures, feed business operators are required to establish operational procedures and organizational measures. In cases where such risks cannot be eliminated by these measures, personal eye protective equipment must be used.

The regulation also includes transitional measures allowing existing stocks of the specified preparation and premixtures to be placed on the market and used until exhausted, provided they comply with the rules applicable before September 27, 2023.

This decision is in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food, and Feed and is considered effective from its publication date in the Official Journal of the European Union on September 20, 2023.

Link to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1698 of 6 September 2023 concerning the renewal of the authorisation of a preparation of potassium diformate as a feed additive for sows (holder of the authorisation: ADDCON Europe GmbH) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 104/2010