(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 lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. 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 lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. as a feed additive for use in feed for turkeys for fattening, requesting that additive to be classified in the category ‘sensory additives’ and in the functional group ‘colourants (ii), substances which, when fed to animals, add colours to food of animal origin’.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 18 September 2024 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the additive is safe for the target species, for consumers and for the environment. Regarding user safety, it concluded that the lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. is irritant to skin and eyes and any exposure is considered a risk. The Authority further concluded that the substance has the potential to colour the skin of turkeys for fattening at the proposed conditions of use.

(5)

The Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 considered that the conclusions and recommendations reached in the assessment carried out regarding the methods of analysis of lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. as a feed additive in the context of the previous authorisation are valid and applicable for the current application. However, the Reference Laboratory subsequently updated the evaluation report submitted in the context of the previous authorisation, in order to take account of scientific and technological developments and to ensure a better suitability of the methods of analysis for official controls. The Authority verified the amended report on the methods of analysis of lutein as a feed additive submitted by the Reference Laboratory (3).

(6)

In view of the above, the Commission considers that the preparation of lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. satisfies the conditions provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. As regards the methods of analysis, account should be taken of the updated evaluation report of the Reference Laboratory. Accordingly, the use of that substance as a feed additive should be authorised. 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.

(7)

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