Safety and efficacy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE (Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3698 and Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I-3699) as a feed additive for weaned piglets

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 Sorbiflore® ADVANCE when used as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned piglets. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE results from the fermentation of milk based-broth with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3698 and Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I-3699. The additive is intended for use in feed for weaned piglets at the minimum concentration of 1.25 × 108 viable forming units (VFU)/kg and the maximum concentration of 5 × 108 VFU/kg complete feed. The data submitted did not allow a full characterisation of the additive, and therefore, uncertainty remains on the nature of the product in terms of viability, on the ratio between the active agents and on the stability of the additive. The active agents fulfil the requirements of the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to the assessment of safety and no concerns are expected from other components of the additive. Consequently, Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is presumed to be safe for the target animals, consumers of products from animals receiving the additive and the environment. The additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, no conclusions could be drawn on the irritancy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE to skin and eyes and on its dermal sensitisation potential. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE at 1.25 × 108 VFU/kg feed has the potential to be efficacious in weaned piglets.