Use of feed additives claiming to offer a mycotoxin binding action - Exchange of views. Letter from the German delegation Two scientific studies on the use of mycotoxin binders have been completed. The investigations were carried out in order to test the claimed positive effects of different additives on the presence of mycotoxins. The results show clearly that the claims are not supported by the results of investigations. Member States are therefore requested to take action to counter these unjustified claims and inform the companies involved that scientific studies supporting the claims have to be submitted before such claims can be mentioned on the label or advertised.
Action is required because unjustified claims jeopardise public and animal health.
Given the growing awareness of the presence of mycotoxins in feedingstuffs and the possible positive effects of certain additives on the bio-availability of the mycotoxins, the possibility of creating a new category of additives was mentioned. In the accompanying text it is explained that the guidance levels are intended to facilitate the diagnosis of feed-related disorders and that compliance with the guidance levels will not adversely affect animal health animal production. The Commission has requested the Dutch authorities to submit a scientific case for these measures and to postpone their adoption. In order to protect public and animal health and to secure a proper functioning of the internal market, the Commission announced it would request the Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition to carry out a scientific risk assessment concerning the presence of Fusarium toxins including not only zearalenone and deoxynivalenol but also fumonisins, e.g. nivalenol. On the basis of this scientific risk assessment, Community measures will be proposed if necessary and appropriate, in order to reduce the presence of these Fusarium toxins in feed materials and feedingstuffs.