Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Illicium verum Hook f. (star anise tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

The research article discusses the safety and effectiveness of a tincture made from the fruit of star anise in animal feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined the use of the tincture in feed for all animal species and found it to be safe at certain levels. They also found there would be no safety concerns for consumers and no significant environmental risk.

Understanding the Study

• The study was initiated following a request from the European Commission. The EFSA was tasked with providing a scientific evaluation of the safety and competence of a tincture made from the fruit (pericarps and seeds) of star anise when used as a sensory feed additive, which enhances the taste of feed for all animal species.
• The product being tested was a concentrated solution with a dry matter content of around 1.86%. The product contained on average 0.2588% polyphenols (of which 0.0229% were flavonoids, including 0.0036% rutin), anethole (0.018%) and estragole (0.00039%). These compounds are known to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) conducted the evaluation. FEEDAP is an expert group of the EFSA that is responsible for assessing the safety and efficacy of feed additives and other products or substances used in animal feed.

Key Findings of the Research

• The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the star anise tincture is safe in animals at the maximum proposed levels of 200 mg/kg complete feed for horses and 50 mg/kg complete feed for all other animal species. Thus, it can be used as a safe feed additive given these limits.
• The panel also deemed the use of this tincture in water for drinking to be safe as long as the total daily intake doesn’t go beyond amounts considered secure as feed additive. This measure ensures that excessive intake posing potential risks is avoided.
• The study found that no safety concerns would arise for consumers who eat products from animals that have consumed feed containing star anise tincture up to the maximum suggested levels. This infers the absence of risk to humans consuming products such as meat, milk, or eggs from these animals.
• However, the tincture is considered a potential irritant to skin and eyes. It can also be a dermal and respiratory sensitiser, causing allergic reactions on the skin or respiratory system. Therefore, individuals handling the tincture should exercise caution.
• The team found that the use of star anise tincture would not pose a risk to the environment, indicating its sustainability as a feed additive. This is an important consideration in current times, when environmental impact is a focal point for many studies.
• Finally, the study concluded that since star anise fruit is recognised for providing flavour in food and its function in feed would essentially be the same, no demonstration of efficacy (effectiveness) was considered necessary.