EFSA Reports on Aromatic Ethers

The European Food Safety Administration's (EFSA) Panel on Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) has released its findings on chemical group 26. The chemicals involved are aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives. All eight compounds are already authorized for use in flavor ingredients.

Among those tested, all but two were found safe for use at a concentration of 1 mg/kg. The two exceptions, 2-methoxyethyl benzene and 2-methoxy–naphthalene, were found to be safe at, respectively, 0.5 and 0.08 for cattle, salmonids and non-food-producing animals, and 0.3 and 0.05 mg/kg complete feed for pigs and poultry. Additionally, 1,2-dimethoxy-4-(prop-1-enyl)benzene and 1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene are safe at the maximum proposed level of 5 mg/kg. The panel warns that concentrations should be reduced if the compounds are used in drinking water.

At the above concentrations, no residue of note should be present in food products. At 1 mg/kg, the compounds also are not expected to pose any environmental threat. When used at 5 mg/kg, it is possible that Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) levels would be exceeded in soil and water.

More in Regulatory & Research