Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of zinc compounds (E6) as feed additives for all animal species: Zinc sulphate monohydrate, based on a dossier submitted by Helm AG

Zinc sulphate monohydrate is considered as a safe source of zinc for all animal species, regarding the maximum contents for total zinc in feedingstuffs set by the EU. Safe concentrations of zinc in water for drinking (milk replacers: 20 mg/L, pigs: 30 mg/L, poultry: 40 mg/L and pets: 100 mg/L; maximum daily amount of zinc administered via water for drinking for cattle: 500 mg, dairy cows: 2000 mg) could be applied only in feeding regimes without zinc supplementation to feed. Based on data on consumer exposure and the UL determined for zinc, no concerns for consumer safety are expected from the use of zinc sulphate monohydrate in animal nutrition. The hazards associated with handling of zinc sulphate monohydrate are well recognised and documented. In particular, zinc sulphate, monohydrate is considered as a severe irritant for eyes. The evidence presented showed that the forms of the product in this application had a very low dusting potential and consequently the risk of exposure by inhalation would be correspondingly low. The use of zinc as a feed additive does not pose direct concern for agricultural soil compartment. However, there is a potential environmental concern related to drainage and run-off of zinc to surface water. Most vulnerable for these processes are acid sandy soils. In order to draw a final conclusion, some further refinement to the assessment of zinc-based feed additives in livestock needs to be considered, for which additional data would be required. The use of zinc-containing feed additives in aquaculture up to maximum authorised zinc level in feeds is not expected to pose an appreciable risk to the environment. Zinc sulphate monohydrate is an efficacious source of zinc in meeting animal requirements.