Statement on the safety and efficacy of perlite for ruminants and poultry

The additive perlite (sodium potassium aluminium silicate) is intended to be used as a technological additive (functional group: anticaking agents) for ruminants and poultry. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) assessed the data provided by the applicant in the technical dossier. During the course of the assessment, the need for additional information in order to be able to deliver an opinion on the safety and efficacy of this additive was identified and notified to the applicant. The information requested covered the characterisation and identification, the safety for the target species and user, and the efficacy of the additive. The applicant has failed to provide the additional information. Therefore, considering the data provided in the original dossier and the absence of response from the applicant to the requests from EFSA, the FEEDAP Panel is not in a position to deliver an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the additive perlite as a technological additive for ruminants and poultry.