(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 L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916. 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 L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916 as a feed additive for use in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species, requesting that additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and in the functional group ‘amino acids, their salts and analogues’.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 17 September 2025 (2) that the use of L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916 in feed is safe for the target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts to the diet according to their nutritional needs. However, due to the risk of nutritional imbalances and hygienic reasons, the Authority has concerns on the of use L-isoleucine in water for drinking. The Authority also concluded that the use of L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916 in animal nutrition is safe for the consumers and the environment. In the absence of data, it could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and/or eyes and to be a potential skin sensitiser but identified an inhalation risk to endotoxins for the users of the additive. The Authority further concluded that the substance is regarded as an efficacious source of the amino acid L-isoleucine for non-ruminant nutrition. For the supplemental L-isoleucine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen. 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 L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916 satisfies the conditions provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Accordingly, the use of that substance as a feed additive should be authorised. The Commission considers that possible hygiene risks related to the use of this amino acid in water for drinking, are to be addressed by feed business operators under their obligations to ensure compliance with the relevant hygiene requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) laying down requirements for feed hygiene. When fed to ruminants, L-isoleucine produced with Escherichia coli CCTCC M 20231916 should be protected against degradation in the rumen. It is appropriate to alert the user to take into account the dietary supply with all the essential and conditionally essential amino acids, in particular in the case of supplementation with L-isoleucine via water for drinking. 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,