Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of l-tryptophan produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80346 for all animal species (CJ Europe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of l-tryptophan produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (KCCM 80346) when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. Viable cells of the production strain and its DNA were not detected in the additive. l-Tryptophan manufactured by fermentation using C. glutamicum KCCM 80346 does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the genetic modification of the production strain. The use of l-tryptophan (≥ 98%) produced with C. glutamicum KCCM 80346 to supplement feed is safe for non-ruminant species. There may be a risk for an increased production of toxic metabolites when unprotected tryptophan is used in ruminants. The FEEDAP Panel has concerns on the use of l-tryptophan in water for drinking. The use of l-tryptophan produced with C. glutamicum KCCM 80346 in animal nutrition raises no safety concerns to consumers of products from animals receiving the additive and to the environment. l-tryptophan produced with C. glutamicum KCCM 80346 is not irritant to the eyes and skin, and it is not a skin sensitiser. The additive l-tryptophan is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l-tryptophan for all non-ruminant species. To be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminants, it should be protected from ruminal degradation.