Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus fermentum (NCIMB 30169) as a silage additive for all species
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Competing interests: One member of the Panel did not participate in the discussion on the subject referred to above because of potential conflicts of interest identified in accordance with the EFSA policy on declarations of interests.
Abstract
Lactobacillus fermentum is a technological additive intended to improve the ensiling process at a proposed minimum dose of 1.0 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The bacterial species L. fermentum is considered by the European Food Safety Authority to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and as no antibiotic resistance of concern was detected, the use of the strain in the production of silage is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. The additive should be regarded as a skin and eye irritant and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser and should be treated accordingly. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the strain of L. fermentum under application has the potential to increase aerobic stability of the treated silage at the minimum recommended dose of 1.0 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material. This was demonstrated in forage materials with a dry matter content of 29–46 %.