Efficacy of calcium formate as a technological feed additive (preservative) for all animal species

In 2014, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of calcium formate when used as a technological additive (preservative) for all animal species. Calcium formate was considered safe for all animal species at a maximum concentration of 10,000 mg formic acid equivalents/kg complete. Calcium formate was also considered safe for the consumer and the environment. The Panel also concluded that calcium formate is non-irritant to skin but causes severe adverse effects in eyes. It is likely that handling the additive could result in skin reactions and in the production of respirable dust that could present a risk to unprotected workers. The Panel also concluded that 'Data submitted do not provide convincing evidence of the efficacy of the additive when used as a preservative for compound feed or feed materials'. In the current opinion, additional data to demonstrate the efficacy of calcium formate as a preservative in feed for all animal species were assessed. The Panel concluded that calcium formate has the potential to be efficacious as a preservative in feedingstuffs for all animal species at the proposed use level.