L-Tryptophan produced by E. coli for all animal species

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EFSA Panel on EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)

L-Tryptophan, technically pure, is a feed additive produced by fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of the product, in which it could not conclude on the safety of this additive for target animals, consumer, user and the environment, due to the insufficient characterisation of the genetic modification. The European Commission asked EFSA to deliver an opinion on the safety of L-Tryptophan, technically pure, as nutritional additive for all animal species based on additional data submitted by the applicant. The new information provided on the genetic modification, including the presence/absence of an antibiotic resistance gene in the production strain, is contradictory. Consequently, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of the L-Tryptophan produced using E. coli CGMCC 3667 for target animals, consumers, users and the environment. The FEEDAP Panel reiterates its concern on the use of unprotected tryptophan to ruminants and on the safety of the amino acid L-Tryptophan for target species when administered simultaneously via water for drinking. As the estimated maximum exposure to endotoxins by inhalation is below the provisional occupational exposure limit, no risk from the exposure to endotoxins for people handling the additive is expected.