Safety and efficacy of lecithins for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lecithins for all animal species. The additive consists predominantly of lecithins derived from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, with other plant extracts. Three different forms of the additive are produced: regular liquid lecithins, hydrolysed liquid lecithins and de-oiled lecithin powder. Lecithins are usually phospholipids, composed of phosphoric acid with choline (or ethanolamine, inositol, serine or hydrogen, in phosphatidic acid), glycerol and one or two fatty acids. Lecithins are safe for all target species. Setting a maximum content for lecithins is not considered necessary. The use of lecithins in animal nutrition does not pose any risk to the consumer. Lecithins are not irritant to the skin and eyes, not skin sensitisers and not harmful by inhalation. No risk for the environment is expected from the use of lecithins in animal nutrition. Lecithins are considered efficacious as emulsifiers at the recommended use levels.