Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

This research article discusses the safety and efficacy of using a tincture from the fruit of sweet fennel as an additive in animal feed, based on an investigation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It concluded that sweet fennel tincture is safe for use in specific quantities in animal feed and water and does not pose a risk for the environment, but care must be taken when handling the additive due to potential skin and respiratory sensitization.

Research Scope and Aim

• The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct this study with an aim to scientifically verify the safety and efficacy of sweet fennel tincture as an additive in animal feed and drinking water for all animal species.

Nature of the Additive

• The additive, sweet fennel tincture, is derived from the fruit of sweet fennel, is a liquid solution with dry matter content of about 2.16%, and contains compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, anethole, anisaldehyde, and estragole.
• Sweet fennel originates from Europe and is known for its use as a flavoring agent in food.

Safety and Efficacy of the Feed Additive

• The EFSA panel on additives and products or substances in animal feed (FEEDAP) examined the safety of the sweet fennel tincture and concluded it is safe at maximum levels of 200 mg/kg complete feed for horses and 50 mg/kg complete feed for other animal species.
• When used in drinking water, the total daily intake should not exceed the safe daily amount consumed in feed.

Impact on Consumer and Environment

• The study concludes that there would be no safety concerns for consumers from the use of sweet fennel tincture up to the maximum levels in feed.
• Regarding environmental impact, using sweet fennel tincture as a food flavor in animal feed was not expected to pose any risks.

Handling and Safety Measures

• The research acknowledges that sweet fennel tincture could be a skin and eye irritant, and also potentially cause dermal and respiratory sensitization.
• As exposure to estragole – one component of the additive – cannot be completely excluded when handling the additive, efforts should be made to minimize handler exposure as much as possible to reduce risk.