Scientific Opinion on complexation products of sodium tartrates with iron(III) chloride for all animal species and categories

Abstract

The additive complexation products of sodium tartrates with iron(III) chloride (Fe‐TA), which is a an equilibrium mixture of sodium tartrates with iron(III) chloride, is intended to be used as an anticaking agent in salt (sodium chloride) for all animal species and categories. The proposed inclusion levels vary between 3 and 12 mg iron/kg salt, equivalent to 26 to 106 mg Fe‐TA/kg salt (on a dry matter basis). Fe‐TA is intended to be dripped onto salt in the form of a 1:8 water solution. The use of Fe‐TA at the maximum recommended supplementation rate for common salt (106 mg Fe‐TA dry matter/kg) is considered safe for all animal species and categories. There is no indication that the use of Fe‐TA in animal nutrition would result in a measurable exposure of the consumer to Fe‐TA or its constituents tartrate, iron and oxalate. Therefore, no concerns for the safety for the consumer would arise from the use of Fe‐TA, provided that the conditions of use recommended by the applicant are respected. Users are unlikely to be exposed to the additive by inhalation. Fe‐TA is not an irritant to skin and eyes, is not a skin sensitiser and is of low acute dermal toxicity. No risk to the environment is expected from the use of Fe‐TA in animal nutrition. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that the additive has the potential to be efficacious as an anticaking agent when used in salt at the minimum proposed concentration of 3 mg iron/kg salt (equivalent to 26 mg Fe‐TA/kg salt, on a dry matter basis).