(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)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of a preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 as a feed additive. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

The application concerns the authorisation of a preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 as a feed additive for all poultry species for fattening, requesting that additive to be classified in the category ‘zootechnical additives’ and in the functional group ‘digestibility enhancers’.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 11 May 2023 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 is safe for all poultry species for fattening, consumers and the environment. It also concluded that the preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 is considered an irritant to skin and eyes, and a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The Authority further concluded that the preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 has the potential to be efficacious at the level of inclusion of 30 U endo–1,4-beta-mannanase/kg complete feed for all poultry species for fattening. It did not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. The Authority 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.

(5)

In view of the above, the Commission considers that the preparation of endo–1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 satisfies the conditions for authorisation provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised for all poultry species for fattening. In addition, the Commission considers that appropriate protective measures should be taken to prevent adverse effects on the health of the users of the additive.

(6)

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