(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 Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642. 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 Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 as a feed additive for dogs, requesting that additive to be classified in the category ‘zootechnical additives’ and in the functional group ‘physiological condition stabilisers’.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 29 June 2022 (2) and 28 January 2025 (3) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 is safe for dogs and for the environment. It also concluded that the preparation of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 is not an irritant to skin, but it is considered an irritant to eyes and a skin and a respiratory sensitiser. The Authority further concluded that the preparation of Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642, has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for dogs when added to feed at 3,5 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed as it improves physiological and/or behavioural stress resilience when the dogs are exposed to stress factors representing realistic situations of the animals’ lives. The Authority did 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 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 Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 satisfies the conditions provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Accordingly, the use of that preparation for dogs should be authorised. The Commission considers that a minimum period of use of the additive should be recommended on the label of the additive, premixtures and compound feed. 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,