(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 and renewing such authorisation.

(2)

Endo-1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus ATCC 55045 was authorised for 10 years as a feed additive for chickens for fattening by Commission Regulation (EC) No 786/2007 (2).

(3)

In accordance with Article 14(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted by the holder of that authorisation for the renewal of the authorisation of endo-1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus DSM 32052 (formerly produced by Paenibacillus lentus ATCC 55045) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, requesting that additive to be classified in the additive category ‘zootechnical additives’ and for a new use for chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening or reared for breeding and minor poultry species. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 14(2) and Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 26 February 2019 (3) that the applicant has provided data demonstrating that the additive complies with the conditions of authorisation. It was also concluded that the additive is safe for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed with the additive and the environment. It also concluded that the product should be regarded as a potential respiratory sensitiser. Therefore, 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. The additive has a potential to be efficacious in improving digestibility of feed for chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening or reared for breeding and minor poultry species.

(5)

The assessment of endo-1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus DSM 32052 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the authorisation of that additive should be renewed as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

(6)

As a consequence of the renewal of the authorisation of endo-1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus ATCC 55045 as a feed additive under the conditions laid down in the Annex to this Regulation, Regulation (EC) No 786/2007 should be repealed.

(7)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the amendments made by this Regulation, it is appropriate to provide for a transitional period during which the existing stocks of the preparation of endo-1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus ATCC 55045, which are in conformity with the provisions applying before the date of entry into force of this Regulation, may continue to be placed on the market and used until they are exhausted.

(8)

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