(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 authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

(2)

Azorubine (synonym carmoisine) was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as a feed additive for use on feed for cats and dogs falling under the category ‘colouring agents’ under the heading ‘colouring agents authorised for colouring foodstuffs by Community rules, other than patent blue V, acid brilliant green BS and canthaxanthin’. That use was subsequently entered in the Community Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of azorubine as a feed additive for cats and dogs, requesting that additive to be classified in the additive category ‘sensory additives’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 31 January 2012 (3) that, under the proposed conditions of use, azorubine does not have an adverse effect on animal health, or the environment, and that it is effective as colourant. It concluded that no safety concerns would arise for users provided that appropriate protective measures are taken.. The Authority does 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 Community Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(5)

The assessment of azorubine 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 as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

(6)

Since modifications to the conditions of authorisation of azorubine are introduced and as there are no direct immediate effects on safety, a reasonable period should be allowed to elapse before authorisation in order to allow the interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation. In addition, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for the disposal of existing stocks of azorubine, as authorised in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC and of feed containing azorubine.

(7)

It is disproportionately complex for operators to adapt repeatedly and from one day to the other labels of feed containing different additives which have been successively authorised according to the procedure laid down in Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and for which new labelling rules are to be complied with. It is therefore appropriate to reduce the administrative burden on the operators by providing a period of time allowing a smooth conversion of labelling.

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,