(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 authorisation.

(2)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 an application was submitted for the authorisation of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197. This application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

This application concerns the authorisation of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 as a feed additive for all animal species. The applicant requested this additive to be classified in the additive category ‘sensory additives’.

(4)

The applicant requested the feed additive to be authorised for use also in water for drinking. However, Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 does not allow the authorisation of ‘flavouring compounds’ for use in water for drinking. Therefore, the use of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 in water for drinking should not be allowed. The fact that of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 is not authorised for use as a flavouring in water for drinking does not preclude its use in compound feed administered via water.

(5)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 19 March 2020 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 do not have adverse effects on animal health, consumer health or the environment. The Authority concluded for L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 that although users’ exposure via inhalation is unlikely due to the low dusting potential, the product is proposed to be classified as respiratory irritant due to its low pH when in solution. In addition, based on the results of the studies provided, it should be classified as skin irritant and that it can cause serious eye damage. L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate is not a dermal sensitiser. The Authority also concluded, that since L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 is used in food as flavouring, it is to be expected that it can provide a similar function in feed and no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary when used in feed. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(6)

The assessment of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80109 and KCCM 80197 should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

(7)

Restrictions and conditions should be provided for to allow better control. In particular, a recommended content should be indicated on the label of the feed additive. Where such content is exceeded, certain information should be indicated on the label of premixtures.

(8)

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