Safety and efficacy of ponceau 4R for cats, dogs and ornamental fish

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of ponceau 4R for its use in baits for freshwater fish (GIFAP)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of ponceau 4R as sensory additives (functional group: (a) colourants: (i) substances that add or restore colour in feedingstuffs). The additive is already authorised for use with cats and dogs and ornamental fish. The additive is intended to be incorporated in freshwater fishing baits up to a maximum of 15 mg/kg in complementary feed in order to colour them. The additive is intended to be incorporated into feed directly in solid form or via an aqueous solution. The additive is not intended for use in aquaculture. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that ponceau 4R is considered safe when used in fish baits for freshwater fish at the maximum proposed dose of 15 mg/kg complementary feed. The use of the feed additive ponceau 4R fish baits for freshwater fish under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. Ponceau 4R is not skin irritant but should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the eye irritation potential of the additive. In absence of data no conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of ponceau 4R in freshwater fish baits.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents (Sensient Colours Europe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sunset Yellow FCF for cats, dogs, ornamental fish, grain-eating ornamental birds and small rodents when used as an additive that adds or restores colour in feedingstuffs. Sunset Yellow FCF is considered safe for the target species at the following concentrations in complete feed: 165 mg/kg for cats, 198 mg/kg for dogs, 733 mg/kg for ornamental fish, 24 mg/kg for grain-eating ornamental birds and 750 mg/kg for small rodents. In the absence of adequate information, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude neither on the eyes and skin irritation potential of Sunset yellow FCF, nor on its skin sensitisation potential. Exposure by inhalation is considered to be unlikely. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.