Safety and efficacy of maltol belonging to chemical group 12 when used as flavouring for all animal species

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 maltol, a compound belonging to chemical group 12 (maltol derivatives and ketodioxane derivatives). Maltol is currently authorised as a flavour in food. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that maltol added to the feed of all animal species is safe at the normal use level of 5 mg/kg feed. The high use level of 25 mg/kg feed is safe for all animal species except for piglets, chickens for fattening, laying hens and cats. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of these compounds up to the highest proposed level in feeds. No specific data on the safety for the user were provided. In the material safety data sheet, hazards for skin and eye contact and respiratory system are recognised for maltol. The proposed maximum use level in feed for maltol is unlikely to pose a risk for the terrestrial and fresh water environments. Because maltol is used in food as flavouring, and its function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.