(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)

The substance conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2) as a feed additive for all animal species, and was included in the category ‘nutritional additives’ and functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’. That substance was subsequently entered into the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1), point (b), of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

The inclusion of conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester in the group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’ was based on a report of 18 March 1994 of the Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition on the classification of vitamins in the Annex to Directive 70/524/EEC. This report considered that this substance had a similar effect to that of a vitamin.

(4)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted on 13 October 2010 for the authorisation of conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester as a feed additive for pigs for fattening and dairy cows. The applicant requested the additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and in the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’. The application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(5)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 3 December 2015 (3) that, under the proposed conditions of use, conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester used in the nutrition of pigs for fattening and dairy cows does not have adverse effects on animal health, consumer safety or the environment. Concerning pigs for fattening, the Authority concluded that conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester might have a potential for an improvement of the feed to gain ratio. It effectively increases fat firmness due to an increased amount of saturated fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat. There is also an increase in intramuscular fat, its degree of saturation and in marbling score. Conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester might also have a potential to improve the proportion of lean meat to subcutaneous fat in the carcass. For dairy cows, the Authority concluded that conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester reduces milk fat content and has the potential to reduce milk fat yield and milk energy output. In a further opinion of 24 January 2019 (4), the Authority stated that the allocation of this additive to the category ‘nutritional additives’ did not seem to be justified. The Commission, taking into account the considerations from the Authority and the effects of the additive on the zootechnical performance of pigs for fattening and dairy cows, has decided to classify this additive under the category ‘zootechnical additives’ and under the functional group ‘other zootechnical additives’.

(6)

The Authority concluded that the exposure of users by inhalation of the solid product is likely to be minimal. As regards the liquid product, no data on potential mist formation were provided. A beadlet formulation of the liquid product elicited mild but persistent dermal irritation, whereas it was not an eye irritant. The skin sensitisation potential was masked by the effect of the placebo. Neither the liquid nor the solid product was tested as such for skin and eye irritation and skin sensitisation. The Authority further concluded that the additive was effective. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. The initial method of analysis provided by the applicant was validated by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and verified by EFSA. Due to the fact that maximum/minimum contents are established in the EFSA opinion, the first method of analysis was not considered sufficient for the purpose of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 as the method applied only to feed additives but not to premixtures and feedingstuffs and did not quantify the level of incorporation of the additive in those premixtures and feedingstuffs. The applicant submitted a second method for the quantification in premixtures and feedingstuffs that was validated by the Reference Laboratory.

(7)

The assessment of conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester 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 substance should be authorised. 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.

(8)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation of conjugated linoleic acid (t10, c12)-methylester to the use of that substance in the nutrition of pigs for fattening and dairy cows, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

(9)

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