EU panel recommends maximum levels of vitamin A in animal feed

The European Food Safety Authority's FEEDAP Panel has recommended revised maximum levels of vitamin A in animal feed.

The panel also suggested regulating complementary feeds that are used in combination with other feed or forages, to avoid excessive levels of vitamin A and to monitor vitamin A in foods of concern such as liver, and providing advice to help consumers avoid excessive intakes.

The use of vitamin A in feed is important for consumers as it remains in food products from animals, therefore contributing to overall intake in humans. Vitamin A is added to feed to meet animal nutritional needs, and maximum levels are set by EU legislation for livestock bred for fattening.

The panel found that a small proportion of the European population is at risk of exceeding the safe Upper Limit (UL) of 3,000ug (microgram) per day. The greatest risks of exceeding the UL come from the consumption of liver, which contains high concentrations of preformed vitamin, and from taking vitamin A supplements.

A new maximum level would avoid unnecessary high intakes among consumers without negative effects on animal health and performance.

The panel also proposed setting a level for fattening pigs at around half the current amount allowed by the EU.

The EFSA's opinion has been submitted to the Commission as a basis for any further discussion with member states on risk management aspects.