Scientific Opinion on the risks to animal and public health and the environment related to the presence of nickel in feed

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the risks to animal and human health and the environment related to the presence of nickel (Ni) in feed were assessed by the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel). The presence of Ni in feed can arise from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Additionally, certain feed materials contain metallic Ni, since it is used as a catalyst in their production. Based on the differences observed between the Ni exposure levels estimated for different animal species and identified no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) and lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs), the CONTAM Panel concluded that any adverse impact of Ni via feed to cattle, pigs, rabbits, ducks, fish, dogs, chickens, horses, sheep, goats and cats is unlikely. Concerning the assessment of human health risks from the presence of Ni in food of animal origin, the CONTAM Panel concluded that in the average population the current levels of chronic exposure to Ni, considering only foods of animal origin, might be of potential concern in the young population, in particular in 'Toddlers'. In the highly exposed population (95th percentile), the concern also extends to the age class 'Other children'. Regarding acute dietary exposure, the CONTAM Panel concluded that Ni-sensitized individuals are also at risk of developing eczematous flare-up skin reactions through the consumption of food of animal origin. The contribution of food of animal origin to human dietary exposure to Ni should therefore not be underestimated, particularly in age classes with high dietary exposure to Ni. Release to the environment from manure, resulting from its presence in animal feed, is not a major contributor of Ni deposited onto agricultural soils or to the environment. SUMMARYFollowing a request from the European Commission, the risks to animal and human health and the environment related to the presence of nickel (Ni) in feed were assessed by the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel).Ni is a metal that occurs in a number of different soluble and particulate forms, which are ubiquitously found in the environment both from natural occurrence and from anthropogenic activity. Animal feed contains Ni, particularly in the divalent form, its most stable oxidation state. Additionally certain vegetable oils can contain traces of metallic Ni, since it is used as a catalyst in their hydrogenation.Following a call for data, two European countries, submitted 1 813 results on Ni concentrations in feed of which 1 794 were from one country. All results were reported as total Ni, with no differentiation between Ni species. Feed related exposure to Ni was estimated by applying two different scenarios, namely (i) exposures based on Ni concentrations in compound feed and forages and (ii) exposures derived from Ni in feed materials including hydrogenated vegetable oils. For compound feed, 317 results were provided, though the livestock species for which these feeds had been manufactured were not gi...

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