Safety for the environment of a feed additive consisting of semduramicin sodium (Aviax 5%) for chickens for fattening (Phibro Animal Health s.a.)

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 for the environment of the coccidiostat semduramicin sodium (Aviax 5%) when used in feed for chickens for fattening. The additive Aviax 5% is intended to be used as a coccidiostat in feed for chickens for fattening at a level of 20–25 mg semduramicin sodium/ kg complete feed. The safety and efficacy of the additive was evaluated by the FEEDAP Panel in 2018 and 2022. In those opinions it was concluded that the additive is safe for the target species and consumer, while no conclusions could be made on the irritancy of Aviax 5% to skin and eye and on the potential for dermal and respiratory sensitisation. Regarding the safety for the environment, the Panel concluded that a risk for the terrestrial compartment could not be excluded. Based on new data submitted, no risk is expected from the use of the additive in animal nutrition at the proposed conditions of use for the terrestrial compartment. The previous conclusions of the FEEDAP Panel on the safety of the additive for the environment can be updated as follows: the use of semduramicin sodium from Aviax 5% in feed for chickens for fattening up to 25 mg/kg complete feed does not pose a risk for groundwater nor for aquatic, terrestrial and sediment compartments.