(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such an authorisation.

(2)

A preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 was authorised for a period of 10 years as a feed additive for laying hens by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/38 (2), for chickens for fattening by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2275 (3) and for cats and dogs by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1558 (4).

(3)

In accordance with Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of new uses of the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(4)

The application concerns the authorisation of the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 as a feed additive in feedingstuffs and in water for drinking for all poultry species and categories and for ornamental birds, to be classified in the category ‘zootechnical additives’.

(5)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 26 January 2022 (5) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 does not have adverse effects on animal health, consumer safety or the environment. It also concluded that this preparation is an eye/skin irritant and a skin/respiratory sensitiser. Therefore, the Commission considers that appropriate protective measures should be taken to prevent adverse effects on human health, in particular as regards the users of the additive. The Authority also concluded that the preparation has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive in feedingstuffs. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the methods of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(6)

For clarity reasons, in particular in relation to the labelling provisions, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2275 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7)

The assessment of the preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,