ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

Last updated: 05 September 2024

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Foreword

In this guide

Foreward

This report on the activities of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) describes a large volume of careful work by the Secretariat and ACAF Members. The ACAF Terms of Reference state, “The primary role of ACAF is the risk assessment of applications for feed additives, feed of particular nutritional uses and feed detoxification processes.” This emphasis was reflected in the Committee’s workload: during 2023/24, thirty-five applications for authorisation of animal feed additives and two proposals for modification of the list of intended uses of feeds for particular nutritional purposes (PARNUT), but no feed detoxification processes were considered by the Committee.

Throughout the year we have worked to ensure that the core business of processing risk assessments for regulated products progressed smoothly, while we continued to develop new, more efficient ways of working. For feed additives, the evidence that an applicant is required to present is extensive, and sometimes the Committee’s ability to conclude on applications is impeded by gaps in the technical data presented by applicants, resulting in extended processing times. To address this, one of our changes to the ways of working is that the Secretariat now undertake an in-depth completeness check on each application, and where necessary, request additional information from the applicant before presenting it to the Committee. We are also working to provide clear interpretations of the requirements for commonly misunderstood requirements, which should deliver more efficient risk assessment. This will allow the Committee to allocate time to address its broader terms of reference and prepare for the large, strategic challenges that will arise in the coming years.

The Committee itself has grown this year, with the addition of five new members and the departure of one, for a total of sixteen. It is a truly multidisciplinary team, including toxicologists, livestock scientists, nutritionists, microbiologists, chemists, workers in the animal feed industry, and a veterinarian. There is a good balance of academic, regulatory and industry backgrounds, which has proven helpful for the understanding of sometimes complex and occasionally obscure aspects of the applications we receive. Conflicts of interest, real and potential, are managed rigorously.

I would like to thank ACAF members, the Secretariat and policy colleagues for their hard work, professionalism, sense of humour, and patience over the last year. In the coming year, we aim to further refine our risk assessment processes and to address more strategic challenges to support innovation in animal health and well-being, while ensuring product safety and integrity.

Professor Nicholas Jonsson

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Introduction

In this guide

Introduction

Overview

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) provide independent scientific advice to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and ministers on the risks in relation to animal feed, with particular regard to human health. The advice and support given by the Committee is crucial in helping the FSA fulfil their mission of “food we can trust”. This means that food is safe, food is what is says it is, and food is healthier and more sustainable.

The ACAF is a Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) that provides expert advice to the FSA/Food Standards Scotland (FSS) as part of the risk assessment process. The main role of the ACAF is to assess regulated product applications of feed additives, feed for particular nutritional uses (PARNUTs) and feed detoxification processes. These products require authorisation before they can legally be sold in the United Kingdom (UK).

Since the UK left the European Union (EU), the FSA have taken on responsibility for assessing food and feed safety in the UK. This includes all applications for regulated products, which are handled through the Regulated Products Service (RPS).

One of the major challenges for the ACAF over the past year has been the ongoing reform of the Regulated Products Service (RPS). This has led to changes in the ways of working for the Committee, with more changes expected over the coming year.

The current approach to authorising regulated products is based on the EU model, but certain aspects of this approach are disproportionately resource intensive to the level of risk. There are a large number of applications in the system, and consequently the time taken to authorise can be unacceptably long.

Reform of the service is needed to facilitate innovation and enterprise, but without compromising the high standards held by the FSA. Public health, consumer interests, being open and transparent and basing decisions on science and evidence all remain key priorities of the FSA.

In January, the FSA Board was presented with two initial reform measures. One of these was a proposed legislation change to eliminate the need for periodic renewal of authorisations. All feed additive authorisations must currently be renewed every 10 years. Renewal of authorisations makes up a significant caseload of the RPS; 47% of feed additive applications are renewals. Consequently, renewals take up a large amount of the Committee’s time, yet the products have a history of safe use. The proposed reform would free up the resources of the Committee to focus on applications for new or novel feed additives.

As part of the continuous reform of the RPS, there has been a move towards more FSA/FSS-led risk assessments, particularly for more routine applications. There has been greater use of Other Regulator’s Opinions (OROs), such as those of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and this is proposed to increase further in the future. Risk assessments for novel applications that pose more complex toxicological and/or scientific challenges are still Committee led. This means that the type of applications seen by the Committee are evolving and likely to continue to change as the RPS continues to reform.

This report outlines the work that has been done by the Committee over the 2023/24 Financial Year (FY).

Role and responsibilities of the Committee

The role of the ACAF is to advise the FSA and ministers on the risks in relation to animal feed, with particular regard to human health. Their main responsibility is to carry out the risk assessment for applications of feed additives, feed for particular nutritional uses and feed detoxification processes.

The Committee comprises an independent chair and fifteen independent members. The Committee is made up of a range of experts, covering relevant scientific disciplines, and knowledge of the feed sector who provide insight, advice and the technical knowledge needed to evaluate the safety of animal feedstuffs applications.

More information about the roles and responsibilities of the Committee can be found in the ACAF Terms of Reference.

ACAF Code of Practice

All Members of the Committee adhere to the ACAF Code of Practice. Members act in the public interest and observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity. All Members uphold the public service values expected of them, following the ethical standards outlined in The Seven Principles of Public Life.

All interests, both personal and non-personal, must be declared. Members do not misuse the information gained in their activities for personal or political gain, or to promote their personal interests or those of other connected persons, firms, businesses or other organisations.

Members are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are held to account for the decisions that they make. They have a collective responsibility to ensure that the Committee operates effectively.

More information can be found in the ACAF Code of Practice.

Good Practice Guidelines for Scientific Advisory Committees

All Scientific Advisory Committees that advise the FSA and for which the FSA is the sole lead or sponsor department must follow the Good Practice Guidelines for Science Advisory Committees.

The guidelines contain twenty-nine principles of good practice, although not all principles are relevant to every committee. The Committee have reviewed their application of these principles over the period of this report (Appendix II) and will continue to do so annually, in line with the Guidelines.

Compliance with the Guidelines is also covered in the annual self-appraisal by Members (Appendix II) and annual feedback meetings between each SAC Chair and the FSA Chief Scientist.

Ways of Working

In 2022, the Animal Food and Food Additives Joint Expert Group (AFFAJEG) was reformed into the original parent Committee, the ACAF. This led to a change in the function and remit of the AFFFAJEG to allow full risk assessment advice to be given.

The Committee’s primary focus is on risk assessment of regulated product applications. The ACAF are fully supported in their work by a Secretariat, supplied by the FSA/FSS. For all ACAF-led assessments, the Secretariat perform an in-depth completeness check of the technical dossier against the applicable regulations and any associated guidance documents. The Secretariat can flag any areas of concern for the Committee, but the ACAF has full access to the entire technical dossier.

The Committee request further information from the applicant if required to evaluate the application.

Once the ACAF have assessed the application, they prepare their conclusions with regards to identity and characterisation of the additive, safety for consumers, the target animal(s) and the environment, safety for users and efficacy (where applicable). These are summarised in the form of a Committee’s Advice document. The FSA/FSS consider the recommendations in the Committee’s Advice document to formulate a Safety Assessment. The Safety Assessment aids Risk Managers in the risk management phase of the risk analysis process.

More information can be found in the ACAF Ways of Working.

Areas of work

The majority of applications considered by the ACAF are for animal feed additives. Assimilated Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 and assimilated Commission Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 outline the authorisation procedure for these substances, and describe the requirements that must be met, respectively. The Committee consider applications against the legislation and relevant EFSA Guidance.

In the period of this report, the Committee considered thirty-five applications for authorisation of animal feed additives under assimilated Regulation (EC) 1831/2003. Members also reviewed and finalised the Committee’s Advice documents for an additional six applications that were assessed in the 2022/23 FY. The FSA/FSS published 23 Safety Assessments based on the recommendations of the ACAF during this time. For more information refer to Section 3: The Committee’s work in 2023/24.

The Committee also consider applications to update the list of intended uses of feed intended for particular nutritional purposes (PARNUTs), as laid out in assimilated Regulation (EU) 2020/354.

Feed intended for PARNUTs may only be marketed in Great Britain (GB) if its intended use is included in the list of intended uses, or it meets the essential nutritional characteristics for the respective particular nutritional purpose included in that list. If not, an application must be submitted to amend the legislation. Applicants can request to add an intended use of a PARNUT to the list or add/change the conditions associated with a particular intended use of a PARNUT.

Unlike with feed additives, there is no formal guidance available for PARNUT applications. When considering applications, the Committee evaluate whether the proposed change is likely to have any adverse effects on animal or human health, the environment or animal welfare. Members also assess whether the proposed intended use fulfils the particular intended nutritional purpose.

During the 2023/24 FY, the Committee considered two applications for modification of the PARNUT legislation, assimilated Regulation (EU) 2020/354. Members also reviewed and finalised the Committee’s Advice document for one application that was assessed in the 2022/23 FY. Two Safety Assessments were published by the FSA/FSS, based on the recommendations of the ACAF. Details on the applications considered can be found in Section 3: The Committee’s work in 2023/24.

The third type of applications that fall under the Committee’s remit are for feed detoxification processes. There is no specific guidance available for applications for feed detoxification. However, any dossier should demonstrate that the detoxification process meets the acceptability criteria established in assimilated Regulation 2015/786. 

In the period of this report, the Committee did not consider any applications for feed detoxifications processes.

In addition to assessing regulated product applications, the Committee also take part in activities to improve their knowledge and expertise. Members participated in an “efficacy workshop”, designed to give Members an overview of how efficacy testing is performed and interpreted.

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - The Committee’s work in 2023/24

In this guide

The Committee’s work in 2023/24

Animal Feed Additives

During the 2023/2024 FY, the Committee considered thirty-five applications for authorisation of animal feed additives under assimilated Regulation (EC) 1831/2003. Members also reviewed and finalised the Committee’s Advice document for an additional six applications that were assessed in the 2022/23 FY. Details of all the applications considered by the Committee are given in the Table below.

The FSA/FSS published 23 Safety Assessments based on the recommendations of the ACAF during this time. 14 of these were considered in meetings during the 2023/24 FY; the remaining 9 were considered in meetings prior to the period of this report.

Application

Description

Meeting

Committee's response

RP859

Chlorophyllins

Zootechnical feed additive proposed for use in poultry for fattening.

Intended to function as a marker for detection of faecal matter contamination on carcasses.

April 2023

Due to gaps in technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1039
RP1040

VTR-xylanase

Zootechnical additive proposed for use in all porcine (RP1039) and avian (RP1040) species

April 2023

December 2023

The Committee first considered these two linked dossiers in the April 2023 meeting. Due to gaps in technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The ACAF considered the additional information provided in the December meeting and were satisfied.

Draft Committee's Advice documents are currently in preparation.

RP1047

Powdered dry Quillaja saponaria and dry Yucca schidigera (MAGNI-PHI®)

Zootechnical feed additive proposed for use in all avian species (excluding laying and breeding birds).

April 2023
September 2023

December 2023

January 2024

First considered by the Committee in the April 2023 meeting. Due to gaps in technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

In September, the Committee reviewed the response to the request for information. The applicant clarified which birds the efficacy claims should be extrapolated to, which the Committee deemed reasonable.

The draft Committee's Advice document was reviewed in the December and January meetings.

A Safety Assessment was published by the FSA/FSS in March 2024.

Based on the Committee's advice, the FSA/FSS concluded that the additive is efficacious, and safe for the target species, consumers and the environment.
The additive is considered potentially harmful to the user by inhalation, and a potential eye irritant and skin sensitiser.

RP1087

Guanidinoacetic acid (Creamino®)

Nutritional additive already authorised for use in chickens for fattening, weaned piglets and pigs for fattening.

Applicant proposed an extension of use to all species.

April 2023
September 2023

December 2023

January 2024

First considered by the Committee April 2023. Due to gaps in technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

Additional information supplied was reviewed in the September meeting. Members were unable to conclude that the additive would be stable in breeder feed due to high temperature used in processing.

The draft Committee's Advice document was reviewed in the December and January meetings.

At the request of risk managers, the Committee considered whether reclassification as a zootechnical (as opposed to nutritional) would affect safety. The Committee concluded this would have no adverse effect on safety.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in March 2024.

Based on the Committee's advice, the FSA/FSS concluded that the additive was correctly identified and characterised, and that the additive can be considered safe for target species, consumers, and the environment. The additive is not irritant to eyes or skin and is not a dermal sensitiser or toxic through inhalation, but due to the high dusting potential it is recommended that dust masks are worn by handlers.

The additive can be considered efficacious for growing pigs and poultry, but no conclusion could be reached on efficacy for the other target species requested.

RP593

Endo-1,4-beta-glucanase (Hostazym® C)

Zootechnical feed additive containing endo-1,4-beta-glucanase, produced by the fermentation of the strain Trichoderma citrinoviride (IM SD142).

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for use in chickens for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening and weaned piglets.

Requested new authorisation for turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, chickens reared for laying, minor poultry species reared for laying or breeding, ornamental birds and suckling piglets.

April 2023

July 2023
September 2023

October 2023

Dossier first evaluated in October 2022.

Committee reevaluated in April and July after requests for additional information.

The draft Committee's Advice document was reviewed by members in the September and October meetings.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023.

Based on the Committee's advice, the FSA/FSS concluded that previous conclusions drawn by The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) could be accepted and the additive could, therefore, be considered safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment. The product should be considered a potential skin and eye irritant, and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. The additive remains efficacious and these conclusions can be extrapolated to the new uses proposed.

RP309

Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (Hostazym®X)

Zootechnical feed additive containing endo-1,4-betaxylanase, produced by fermentation of the strain Trichoderma citrinoviride (IM SD 135).

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for its use in chickens for fattening, laying hens,
turkeys for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening, minor poultry species
for laying, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening, chickens reared for laying and
carp.

Proposed new use in breeding hens, turkeys reared for breeding, ornamental birds,
suckling piglets, minor pig species for fattening and minor poultry species
reared for breeding.

September 2023

October 2023

The dossier was evaluated previously by the AFFAJEG in 2021 and the ACAF in 2022.

The conclusions by the AFFAJEG were reviewed and approved by the ACAF at their October 2023 meeting. The Committee agreed that the additive can be considered safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment. The ACAF agreed that the product should be considered a potential skin and eye irritant, and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and the respirable particles were a potential hazard for the workers.
It was concluded the additive remains efficacious and that these conclusions can be extrapolated to the new uses proposed.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the Committee's conclusions.

RP791

Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB
40788 CNCM I-4323

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNCM I-3235

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNCM I-3736 DSM 11672

Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-3237

Pediococcus acidilactici DSM 11673

Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12455

Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici CNCM I-4661

Lentilactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 CNCM I-4323

Lentilactobacillus hilgardii CNCM I-4785

Technological silage additive, consisting of a preparation of 9 bacterial strains.

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation.

April 2023

July 2023

June 2023

The dossier was first assessed in December 2022.

In the April 2023 meeting, members considered the applicant's response to a request for further information. Members were satisfied with the information supplied.

The draft Committee's Advice document was reviewed in June and July meetings.

The Committee concluded that the additives can be considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment, based on the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status of the microorganisms. All additives were assumed to be respiratory sensitisers. Members concluded that the silage additive Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M is not an eye irritant, skin sensitiser or skin irritant. Due to absence of evidence, all other additives in the application were considered potential eye irritants, skin sensitisers and skin irritants.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the Committee's recommendations.

RP416

Endo-1,4-betaxylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (Axtra® XB)

Zootechnical feed additive.

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for use in a number of animal species.

Proposed addition to a modification of authorisation for use of a reduced minimum dose in turkeys for fattening and breeding.

April 2023

June 2023

July 2023

Additive was first considered by the AFFAJEG in April 2022, and again by the ACAF in December 2022.

A response to the second request for information was considered at the April 2023 meeting.

The draft Committee's Advice document was reviewed at the June and July meetings.

Members concluded that the strain can be considered safe for the target species, consumer and environment, and that the applicant demonstrated the product under renewal is the same as the original application. The Committee concluded that the product should be considered a respiratory sensitiser and a potential eye and skin irritant. The product is not a skin sensitiser. The ACAF concluded that Axtra® XB in both formulations has the potential to be efficacious in turkeys for fattening and breeding at the proposed reduced minimum dose.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment based on the Committee's recommendations in December 2023.

RP420

6-phytase (Axtra® Phy Gold)

The applicant sought authorisation for use of this zootechnical feed additive in all poultry and pigs.

April 2023

June 2023

July 2023

The dossier had been previously evaluated by the AFFAJEG and the ACAF, but due to gaps in the technical documentation, additional information had been requested from the applicant.

The Committee reviewed the applicant's response in the April 2023 meeting and were satisfied with the information provided.

The ACAF concluded that the additive is safe for the target species, consumer and environment, and that it is not an irritant to eyes and skin or a skin sensitiser, although it is considered a respiratory sensitiser.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the Committee's advice.

RP666

Sodium benzoate (Protural™)

Zootechnical feed additive.

Proposed for use in piglets from weaning to 35 kg (renewal), and in other growing Suidae (new use).

April 2023

June 2023

The dossier was first evaluated in 2022 by the AFFAJEG, and in October 2022 and February 2023 by the ACAF.

In the April and June meetings, the ACAF reviewed the draft Committee's Advice document.

The Committee concluded that additive is safe for the target species, consumers and the environment at the proposed conditions of use. It is potentially harmful by inhalation and an eye irritant, although not a skin irritant. The Committee concluded that the additive was efficacious at a dose of 4000 mg/kg in piglets, and that the results could be extrapolated to other growing Suidae at the same developmental stage.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment based on the Committee's advice in December 2023.

RP694

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1079

Zootechnical feed additive containing dried viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1079.

Proposed for use in calves, all other ruminant species (for rearing and fattening), and camelids (for rearing and fattening).

April 2023

June 2023

The dossier was first evaluated by the ACAF in October 2022, and again in February 2023 after a request for additional information from the applicant.

In the April and June 2023 meetings, members reviewed the draft Committee's Advice document. The Committee concluded that the additive was correctly identified and characterised, and safe for the target species, consumer and environment, although should be considered a respiratory sensitiser for the user. The Committee agreed that the additive was efficacious in calves, all other ruminant species at the correspondent developmental stage (for rearing and for fattening), and camelids at the correspondent developmental stage (for rearing and for fattening) at a minimum inclusion rate of 1x109 CFU/kg of complete feed.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the Committee's recommendations.

RP748

Amprolium hydrochloride (Coxam®)

Coccidiostat proposed to reduce parasitic infection levels of Eimeria spp.

Intended for use in chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying.

April 2023

June 2023

The Committee first evaluated the dossier in 2022. Members assessed evidence sent by the applicant in the form of a report. Original studies referenced were not provided, despite requests.

The Committee were unable to conclude on safety for consumers due to lack of supporting data.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the recommendations of the ACAF.

RP226

Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (Xygest® HT)

Zootechnical additive, proposed for use in all poultry.

April 2023

The dossier was first evaluated by the AFFAJEG in 2021, and again by the AFFAJEG and the ACAF in several subsequent meetings.

In the April 2023 meeting, members gave feedback on the draft Committee's Advice document. The ACAF concluded that it is safe for target species, efficacious in laying and growing poultry, and that claims can be extrapolated to all poultry. The additive can be considered safe for consumers and the environment. The additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser, but is not an eye irritant, skin irritant or skin sensitiser.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment based on the Committee's recommendations in December 2023.

RP686

Lactococcus lactis DSM 11037

Technological silage additive to improve silage quality

April 2023

The dossier was first assessed by the Committee in October 2022.

In the April 2023 meeting, the ACAF reviewed the draft Committee's Advice document. The Committee concluded that the additive can be considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment, based on the QPS status of Lactococcus lactis DSM 11037 and the evidence presented through a literature review. The additive was considered an eye and skin irritant, and a skin and respiratory sensitiser. As the additive is dusty and contains a large proportion of small particles, the Committee recommended that measures should be taken to reduce inhalation exposure by workers.

RP1072

Lasalocid A sodium (Avatec® 150G) for use in chickens

Coccidiostat proposed for use in chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying.

Linked to applications RP1070 and RP1071.

June 2023

January 2024

The Committee considered this request for reauthorisation in the context of two other related applications in the June 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant and reviewed in the January 2024 meeting. There were still gaps so the Committee requested additional information from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1071

Lasalocid A sodium (Avatec® 150G) for use in turkeys

Coccidiostat proposed for use in turkeys.

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation.

Linked to applications RP1070 and RP1072.

June 2023

The dossier was first evaluated by the AFFAJEG in May 2022 meeting, and again by the ACAF in February 2023.

In the June meeting, the Committee considered additional information sent by the applicant following a request for information. The ACAF were satisfied with applicant's response.

Awaiting clarification from applicant on proposed dose. Final assessment will be performed with other linked applications.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1070

Lasalocid A sodium (Avatec® 150G) for use in game birds

Coccidiostat proposed for use in game birds.

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation.

Linked to applications RP1071 and RP1072.

January 2024

Committee considered this request for a renewal of authorisation in the context of two other related applications in the January 2024 meeting.

Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1101

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407 (Actisaf® Sc 47)

Zootechnical feed additive (functional group: gut flora stabiliser) for use in rabbits for fattening and non-food producing rabbits

June 2023

Committee considered this request for a renewal of authorisation in June 2023.

Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1105

L-Histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate

Nutritional additive for use in all animal species.

Produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 80212 (H010)

June 2023

Application was first assessed by the Committee in the June 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in September 2023 based on the EFSA opinion. Therefore, no further involvement was required from the Committee.

RP552

Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 32292

Technological silage additive

June 2023

January 2024

The Committee considered the dossier in the June 2023 meeting, together with additional information that had been requested by the FSA.

Members felt that efficacy had not been demonstrated and submitted a further request for information.

At the January meeting, the Committee reviewed a draft of the Committee's Advice document.

RP709

ProAct 360 (additive containing subtilisin protease)

Zootechnical digestibility enhancer

Subtilisin protease produced by Bacillus licheniformis DSM 33099

Proposed for use in all growing poultry species

June 2023
September 2023

October 2023

December 2023

The dossier was first evaluated by Committee in December 2022.

In the June and September 2023 meetings, the Committee reviewed additional data supplied by the applicant after requests for information.

Members reviewed and finalised the draft Committee's Advice document in the October and December meetings.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment based on the Committee's recommendations in March 2024. The FSA/FSS concluded that the additive is efficacious is growing poultry and safe for consumers, the target animal and the environment. The additive should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser, dermal sensitiser and eye irritant, but not a skin irritant.

RP746

Alpha-galactosidase and endo-1,4-betaglucanase (Agal-Pro BL and Agal-Pro BL L®)

Zootechnical feed additive intended for use in chickens for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening and chickens reared for laying.

June 2023

December 2023
September 2023

January 2024

The dossier was first evaluated by the ACAF at the December 2022 meeting.

In the June 2023 meeting, members considered additional information sent by the applicant, but some information was missing. A third request for information was sent to the applicant, after which the Committee were satisfied.

The Committee’s Advice document was finalised in the September and January meetings.

The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in March 2024 based on the Committee's advice.

The FSA/FSS concluded on a recommended dose at 50-100 mg/kg of complete feed. The additive is considered a potential respiratory and skin sensitiser, as well as a skin and eye irritant.

RP1015

Lactococcus lactis NCIMB 30117

Technological silage additive

June 2023

December 2023

January 2024

The dossier was first evaluated by the Committee in February 2023, but there were gaps in the technical documentation.

In June, members considered additional information supplied by the applicant following a request by the Committee. Some technical documentation was still missing.

The applicant supplied additional information which was assessed in the December meeting and found to be satisfactory.

Members gave feedback on the draft Committee's Advice document in January.

RP1142

RONOZYME® Multigrain (preparation of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase, endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase
and endo-1,4-beta-glucanase)

Zootechnical digestibility enhancer

Preparation of enzymes produced by Trichoderma reesei ATCC 74444.

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for use in poultry for fattening, poultry for laying and weaned piglets.

Applicant proposed new use in pigs for fattening.

July 2023

The Committee considered the dossier in the July 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1055
RP1582

Preparation of endo 1,4 betaxylanase, endo 1,4
betaglucanase and xyloglucan-specific-endo-beta-1,4-glucanase) (Huvezym® neXo)

Zootechnical feed additive.

Preparation of enzymes produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride B-125 DSM 33578.

Proposed for use in poultry, ornamental birds and piglets (RP1055) and pigs for fattening, sows, minor species for fattening and reproduction (RP1582).

July 2023

The Committee assessed these two linked dossiers in the July 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossiers remain under review.

RP1111

Bifidobacterium longum CNCM I-5642 (PP102I)

Zootechnical feed additive proposed for use in dogs and cats

July 2023

December 2023

Members assessed this dossier in the July 2023 meeting.

Additional information was requested from the applicant. This was assessed in the December meeting and found to be satisfactory.

The Committee's Advice document is currently in preparation.

RP1154

Bacillus subtilis DSM5750 and Bacillus licheniformus DSM5749 (BioPlus® 2B)

Already authorised as zootechnical feed additive for use in feed and water for weaned piglets, pigs for fattening, sows, calves for rearing, turkeys for fattening and suckling piglets.

Applicant proposed a new use in calves for fattening and other growing ruminants at the same developmental stage, and piglets (suckling and weaned)

July 2023

The dossier was first assessed in the July 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in the technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP634

Chromium propionate

Zootechnical feed additive proposed for use in all growing poultry species

July 2023

October 2023

January 2024

The dossier was first assessed by the ACAF in February 2023.

In July, the Committee considered additional information supplied by the applicant following a request after the previous meeting.

The ACAF had requested input of an external expert to consider the validity of the efficacy trials supplied by the applicant. The Committee reviewed the opinion of the expert and concluded that the trials were valid, but that efficacy was not demonstrated at the lower inclusion rate. The applicant was required to submit additional efficacy data or accept the Committee's conclusion.

In October, the Committee assessed additional information that had been requested from the applicant to demonstrate safety. The Committee determined that additional information was required to demonstrate safety, or they would conclude that the potential for prenatal developmental toxicity could not be excluded.

Members gave feedback on the draft Committee's Advice document in January.

RP1137

CanBiocin K-9

Zootechnical gut flora stabiliser for use in canines, comprising of a mixture of 4 lactic acid bacterial strains.

September 2023

The dossier was assessed in the September 2023 meeting. The Committee were unable to conclude on efficacy with data provided. Additional information was requested from applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1243

L-methionine

Nutritional additive for use in all animal species. L-methionine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80245 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80246

September 2023

The Committee assessed the dossier in September 2023. Due to gaps in existing documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1258

Preparation of 3 strains of Bacillus velezensis (previously known as B. amyloliquefaciens) (Enviva® PRO 202 GT)

Zootechnical feed additive.

Already authorised as gut flora stabiliser for use in chickens and minor poultry species for fattening and chickens and minor poultry species reared for laying.

Applicant have requested that authorisation is extended to turkeys for fattening and turkeys reared for breeding.

September 2023

The dossier was assessed in September 2023. The Committee concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support efficacy, but additional information was requested from applicant to demonstrate the identity and characterisation.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1275

6-phytase enzyme preparation (Quantum® Blue)

Zootechnical digestibility enhancer proposed for use in fin fish.

Produced by a strain of Trichoderma reesei

September 2023

January 2024

The Committee considered the dossier in September 2023 and concluded that the product was efficacious for trout but not other fin fish.

Additional information was requested from applicant, and this was reviewed in January. There were still gaps in the existing documentation, so a further request for information was sent to the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP812

Dicopper chloride trihydroxide (Intellibond® C)

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation for use of this nutritional additive in all animal species

September 2023

December 2023

The dossier was first assessed by members in February 2023.

The Committee requested the appointment of an independent expert to assess the environmental safety.

In the September meeting, the Committee reviewed the opinion of the independent expert. Additional information was requested from the applicant.

After reviewing the additional data, the Committee concluded that the additive is safe when used at the proposed levels for terrestrial species and land-based aquaculture systems. However, members could not conclude on the safety of the additive for marine sediment compartment when used in sea cages.

The dossier is now in the draft safety assessment stage.

RP814

Zinc chloride hydroxide monohydrate (Intellibond® Z)

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation of this nutritional additive for use in all animal species

September 2023

December 2023

The dossier was first assessed by members in February 2023.

The Committee requested the appointment of an independent expert to assess the environmental safety.

In the September meeting, the Committee reviewed the opinion of the independent expert. Additional information was

requested from the applicant.

After reviewing the additional data, the Committee concluded that the additive is safe when used at the proposed levels for terrestrial species and land-based aquaculture systems. However, members could not conclude on the safety of the additive for marine sediment compartment when used in sea cages.

The dossier is now in the draft safety assessment stage.

RP1282

Levilactobacillus brevis DSMZ 21982

Technological silage additive

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation

October 2023

The Committee reviewed this dossier alongside additional data that had been requested by the FSA in October 2023.

There were still gaps in the technical documentation, so additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1298

Preparation of 6-phytase (Ronozyme® HiPhos)

Zootechnical feed additive containing 6-Phytase produced by Aspergillus oryzae DSMZ 33699.

Applicant requested renewal and extension of authorisation for use in poultry, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening and sows.

October 2023

Members evaluated the dossier in October 2023. It was noted that the production strain listed in the technical documentation was different to the strain intended for authorisation. A request was sent to applicant to clarify strain intended for authorisation and to request additional data.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1341

Preparation of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase, subtilisin and alpha‐amylase (Avizyme® 1505)

Zootechnical feed additive.

Mixture of 3 enzymes produced from 3 different genetically modified microorganisms.

Applicant requested renewal of authorisation in chickens and turkeys for fattening, ducks and laying hens.

Applicant proposed a modification of use in turkeys for fattening, and new use in all avian species for laying, for fattening, reared for breeding and reared for laying (except for ducks).

October 2023

December 2023

The dossier was first assessed in October 2023, and again in December alongside complementary information that had been supplied to address areas of concern highlighted by the EFSA opinion.

There were still gaps in the technical documentation so additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1280

Formaldehyde

A hygiene condition enhancer to be used in chickens for fattening, laying hens, weaned piglets and pigs for fattening.

An additional request was put to extend the scope of the authorisation to turkeys.

December 2023

The dossier was assessed in December 2023. Due to gaps in the technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1317
RP1350

25-hydroxycholecalciferol (Vitamin D)

Nutritional additive in the functional group “vitamins, pro vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having a similar effect”.

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation in pigs and poultry (RP1350) and a modification to extend to ruminants (RP1317).

December 2023

The Committee assessed these two dossiers together, as they shared some technical documentation.

Due to gaps in existing data, additional information was requested from the applicant. The applicant was asked to confirm that the production strains were the same in both applications, to confirm that they can be assessed together.

The dossiers remain under review.

RP1393

Endo-1,4-β-xylanase (RONOZYME® WX)

Zootechnical feed additive

Xylanase enzyme expressed by Aspergillus oryzae.

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for use in poultry for fattening,
piglets (weaned), pigs for fattening, lactating sows and laying hens.

Applicant proposed extension for use in all poultry and pig species.

December 2023

The dossier was considered by the Committee in the December 2023 meeting.

Due to gaps in the technical documentation, additional information was requested from the applicant.

The dossier remains under review.

RP1512

Bacillus velezensis ATCC PTA-6737 (PB6)

Zootechnical gut flora stabiliser.

Applicant requested a renewal of authorisation for use in weaned piglets and weaned minor porcine species and as a feed additive for sows.

The applicant also proposed an extension for use to all pig species

January 2024

Additional information had been requested by the FSA but was not available when the Committee assessed the dossier in January 2024.

The Committee concluded that the additive only had the potential to be efficacious in sows, based on the data provided.

Additional information was requested from the applicant. The dossier remains under review.

Feed for Particular Nutritional Uses (PARNUTs)

During the 2023/2024 FY, the Committee considered two applications for modification of the PARNUT legislation, assimilated Regulation (EU) 2020/354. Members also reviewed and finalised the Committee’s Advice document for one application that was assessed in the 2022/23 FY. Details of all the applications considered by the Committee are given in the Table below.

Two Safety Assessments were published by the FSA/FSS, based on the recommendations by the ACAF.

Application	Description	Meeting	Committee's response
RP1307 Colic sachet	The applicant requested the inclusion of a new PARNUT under regulation 2020/354, ‘Reduction of large colon feed impaction’, for use in equine species.	April 2023 July 2023 September 2023	The dossier was first evaluated by the Committee in April 2023, but had previously been considered by the AFFAJEG, after which additional information had been requested from the applicant. The applicant submitted an amended version of the PARNUT which members considered to be efficacious and safe for the target species. The draft Committee's Advice document was considered in the July and September meetings. The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in December 2023 based on the recommendations of the ACAF.
RP658 Modification of PARNUT for the ‘Reduction of the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia’	Applicant requested a modification of entry number 60 of the PARNUT regulation 2020/354, ‘Reduction of the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia’, to include Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD) values below 0.	July 2023	The application was previously evaluated by the AFFAJEG in December 2021. In July 2023, the ACAF reviewed and approved the draft opinion. The opinion concluded that a modification of the regulation to include DCAD levels between -200 and 100 mEq/kg dry matter would not pose any additional risks to the target species and would be expected to improve efficacy. The FSA/FSS published a Safety Assessment in August 2023 based on the Committee's conclusions.
RP2059 Copper bolus (Tracesure®)	Applicant requested a modification of entry number 59 of the PARNUT regulation 2020/354 to allow inclusion of up to 75% copper.	October 2023	The Committee considered the risk assessment provided by the applicant for the proposed amendment. The risk assessment considered safety for target animal, safety for the consumer, safety for the user and safety for the environment. The Committee requested that the applicant provided a more comprehensive risk assessment, supported by quality assured studies. The dossier remains under review.

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Membership and appointments

In this guide

Membership and appointments

Appointments

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) comprises an independent chair and fifteen independent members. All Members are appointed through open competition.

The Committee is made up of a range of experts, covering relevant scientific disciplines, and knowledge of the feed sector who provide insight, advice and the technical knowledge needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of animal feedstuffs applications.

Members of the Committee can be appointed as full members, or associate members. Full members are recognised as experts in their field and have specific technical/ scientific expertise to complement the Committee. Associate members are not sufficiently experienced to join as full members and are assigned a mentor during their term.

Periods of appointment

Full members and associate members are given a standard first term of three years and one year, respectively. The Chair is given a standard term of five years.

Members can be reappointed, but the maximum length of continuous service is normally ten years.

Management of interests

Interests of Members and any potential conflicts of interest are managed in accordance with The FSAs Approach to Managing the Interests of its External Scientific Advisers and the ACAF Code of Practice.

A public register is held of all Members’ personal and non-personal interests, which is updated at least annually. The Chair gives Members the opportunity to declare any potential conflicts of interest before any discussions. The Chair and the Secretariat are responsible for determining whether interests pose a conflict, and if so, how this should be managed. All conflicts of interests and the resulting decision are recorded in the meeting minutes.

For the register of Members’ interests during the 2023/24 FY, refer to Appendix I.

New appointments in 2023/2024

Prof. Emily Burton, Dr Olivia Champion, Ms Hannah Kane joined the Committee as full Members in June 2023.

Dr Oonagh Markey joined as an associate Member in June 2023.

Nicholas Jonsson was officially appointed as Chair in June 2023, having previously served as a Committee Member and Acting Chair.

Christel Wake joined the Committee as a full Member in March 2024.

Retirements and resignations in 2023/2024

Dr Olivia Champion resigned from the Committee in September after a short term as member. There were no other resignations during the time period of this report.

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Financial statement

In this guide

Financial statement

The ACAF is an independent SAC but does not have an independent budget or expenditure. The operation of the Committee is funded by the FSA.

In the period of this report, the daily fee rates for members were:

£400 per day for the Chair

£300 per day for Members

£150 per day for Associate Members

The expenditure is recorded formally in the accounts of the FSA. In the period of this report, costs for this support of the Committee (covering Members expenses and fees and administrative cost for the meetings) were £82,724.

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Appendix I – Information about the Committee

In this guide

Appendix I – Information about the Committee

Members

The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) comprises an independent chair and fifteen independent members.

Professor Nicholas Jonsson (Chair)

Professor Nicholas Jonsson is the professor of Animal Health and Production in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Glasgow.

Martin Briggs

Martin Briggs is a feed industry expert with over 46 years experience in farm animal feeds. He has a degree in Applied Biology and is currently an independent feed industry consultant. He was previously employed as a Technical Manager for GLW Feeds Ltd, a large multi-species compound feed manufacturer, with previous roles as Mill and Operations Managers.

Professor Emily Burton

Emily Burton is Professor of Sustainable Food Production and co-lead for Nottingham Trent University Sustainable Futures Research Theme. She has worked alongside the poultry industry on research programmes for 25 years and now leads the University’s Poultry Nutrition Research Unit.

Professor Katrina Campbell

Professor Katrina Campbell is a Professor in Food Security and Diagnostics within the Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast.

Dr Olivia Champion

Dr Olivia Champion has worked as a research scientist and entrepreneur. She has founded several companies and works with research scientists at the University of Bristol to help commercialise their research.

Professor Matthew Fisher

Professor Matthew Fisher is a professor of fungal disease epidemiology in the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London School of Public Health. He has over 25 years of experience working on one-health aspects of fungal epidemiology, microbiome biology, microbial genetics and antimicrobial resistance.

Hannah Kane

Ms Hannah Kane has over 11 years experience in the feed and food industry specifically in the Agri supply trade industry. She has a BSc (Hons) degree in Nutrition from the Robert Gordon University and CQFW Level 7 in Livestock Nutrition & Feeding from the University of Reading and is currently working as a Quality, Health & Safety Deputy for Cefetra Ltd.

Susan MacDonald

Susan MacDonald is a chemical safety scientist with over 32 years experience working on analysis and providing advice and training on mycotoxins and natural toxins in food and feed.

Dr Oonagh Markey

Dr Oonagh Markey is a Senior Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University and a Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading.

Christine McAlinden

Christine McAlinden a Board-Certified Toxicologist with over 25 years experience in the testing and assessment of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, feed additives, cosmetics and biocides.

Dr Donald Morrison

Dr Donald Morrison is a microbiologist of 30 years plus experience working in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Derek Renshaw

Derek Renshaw is an independent toxicologist with over 40 years of experience of assessing the safety of materials, with particular reference to the chemical safety of substances to which humans might be exposed.

Dr Michael Salter

Dr. Michael Salter was a scientific advisor to the senior leadership team of AB Agri Ltd. For in excess of 9 years he worked as an innovation scout and research manager for AB Agri looking to understand innovation in the commercial livestock industry.

Dr Adam Smith

Dr Adam Smith holds a B.Sc. in Animal Sciences from the University of London and a Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition from Harper Adams University. He has over 27 years experience of working in the global animal nutrition industry for market leading companies operating in the feed premix and additive space.

Christel Wake

Christel Wake has over 20 years of experience in agriscience, working for both government and industry. She is currently a global residue scientist in the agrochemical industry where she specialises in residues in food and dietary risk assessment.

Dr Helen Warren

Dr Helen Warren achieved her primary degree in Animal Science from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, followed by her PhD in fatty acids in beef from the Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol.

Dr Nick Wheelhouse

Dr Nick Wheelhouse is currently an Associate Professor and Research Lead in Microbiology at Edinburgh Napier University, he holds a BSc in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition from Newcastle University and a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Aberdeen.

Members interests

A register of Members' interests, both current and historic, is available on the ACAF website. The personal and non-personal interests of Members during the period of this report are detailed below:

Professor Nicholas Jonsson (Chair)

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	University of Glasgow – since 2009
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	United States Department of Agriculture 2022 Polish National Science Council – since 2019
Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations	Trustee, Hannah Dairy Research Foundation – since 2021 Adjunct Professor, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, Australia – since 2022
Other personal interests	Editorial Board, Journal of Dairy Research – since 2021 Editorial Board, The Veterinary Journal – since 2015 Specialist Editor, International Journal for Parasitology – Drugs and Drug Resistance – since 2012

Non-Personal

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Fellowships endowed by relevant organisations

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 2009-present

British Society for Animal Science 2017-present

Royal Statistical Society (Fellow) 2020-present

Martin Briggs

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Eurofins Forensics Testing (2023 to present) GLW Feeds Ltd (2006 to 2023)
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	KIWA: Auditor for UFAS Scheme. NSF: Auditor for GAFTA Standards. UKAS: Technical Assessor for feed assurance schemes (2021 to present). AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation): fee paying consultancy. Anitox: fee paying consultancy. 2Agriculture: fee paying consultancy. Progressus Agrischools: fee paying training & consultancy. Member of Food Standards Agency ACMSF (Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Feed).
Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations	Agricultural Industries Federation (AIC – Trade Association) UFAS (Universal feed Assurance Scheme) Member of Working Group and Review Group; Member of AIC Feed Executive Committee; Member of AIC Manufacturing Group; Society of Feed Technologists Member.
Other personal interests	Society of Feed Technologists Honorarium for Paper on ‘The Challenges Facing Feed Production’ £100 2019. Society of Feed Technologists Honorarium for Paper on ‘The Management of Energy within the Feed Mill’ £100 2016. Anitox Ltd Meal £150 2018. DSL Systems Ltd 40th Anniversary Dinner (£50 estimated) 12 September 2019. Defra group for review of Compound Feed Salmonella Code of Practise 2022 – member. Food Standards Agency ACMSF TSE subgroup member 2022.

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Fellowships endowed by relevant organisations	Training provided through GLW Feeds Ltd for Midlands Trading Standards Officers on Feed Mill Auditing and HACCP (2017).
Indirect financial or non-financial support from relevant organisations	Campden BRI: Salmonella Surrogate kill step validation joint project (Campden BRI and GLW Feeds) (2021 onwards)

Professor Emily Burton

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Direct employment

Nottingham Trent University. December 2008 to present

Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations

World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) European Working Group on Poultry Nutrition: UK representative.

Trustee: Gordon Memorial Trust

Trustee: British Poultry Science Trust.

WPSA UK branch member

Non-Personal

None

Professor Katrina Campbell

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies

Reviewer for EU Commission for grant proposals (2021-2022)

Expert for EU Commission (2021-2022)

Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations

Royal Society of Biology- Fellow – Chairperson NI Committee

Royal Society of Chemistry- Member- Secretary NI Analytical Division

Non-Personal

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Fellowships endowed by relevant organisations

Royal Society of Biology- Fellow – Chairperson NI Committee

Royal Society of Chemistry- Member- Secretary NI Analytical Division

Oliva Champion

Interests not recorded due to member resignation.

Professor Matthew Fisher

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Imperial College London School of Public Health
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	Gilead Scientific
Other personal interests	Defra Air Quality Expert Group

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Fellowships endowed by relevant organisations	CIFAR - Fellow

Hannah Kane

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Cefetra Ltd (2012- present)
Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations	Current member of the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) Trade Assurance for Combinable Crops (TASCC) working Group and the AIC Feed materials assurance scheme (FEMAS) working group.

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Susan MacDonald

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Direct employment

Fera Science Ltd (and predecessors) (1990-present)

Other personal interests

Member of ACAF

Head of the UK National Reference Laboratory functions for Contaminants in food and feed

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Financial support	FSA funding for projects relating to food and feed safety. Current projects include Mycotoxins in cat food (2022), Survey of CBD products (2022), NRLs for Contaminants in Food and Feed (current contract 2021-2025).

Dr Oonagh Markey

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Loughborough University - since 2016
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations or consultancies	Member, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Scientific and Technical Support Scheme – since 2023
Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations	Member and secretary, Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) Working Group – since 2022 Editorial Board, Journal of Nutrition – since 2021, no remuneration Science Committee Member, The Nutrition Society – since 2021 Member, Food Standards Agency Register of Specialists – since 2019 Member, Nutrition Society – since 2007 Member, American Society for Nutrition – since 2014

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Indirect financial or non-financial support from relevant organisations	Arla Food Ingredients, indirect financial or non-financial support, including product-in-kind (since 2022)

Christine McAlinden

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Direct employment

toXcel International Ltd since March 2011

Other personal interests

British Toxicology Society- Member

Chartered Biologist

Member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists

Diplomate American Board of Toxicology

Eurotox Registered Toxicologist

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Dr Donald Morrison

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Edinburgh Napier University (Employee) (2014-present)
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	Editor JAC-AMR (2022-present) PhD external examiner Research funding application reviewer
Other personal interests	Member of British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Society for Applied Microbiology Microbiology Society

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Derek Renshaw

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Other personal interests

UK Register of Toxicologists member

Member of the Institute of Biology

EUROTOX Registered Toxicologist

European Biologist with the European Communities Biologists Association

Member of the European College of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Dr Michael Salter

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	AB Agri Ltd. (2014-2023)
Other personal interests	Advisor to University of Falmouth, Contributor and Industrial Supervisor to MANNA Marie Curie PhD Fellowship program

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Dr Adam Smith

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Ltd (2010-present)

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Fellowships endowed by relevant organisations	Royal Society of Chemistry- Fellow

Christel Wake

Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	Corteva Agriscience - Global residue scientist (May 2021 - present)

Non-Personal

None recorded.

Dr Helen Warren

Personal 

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies

Alltech Bioscience Centre (European Technical Manager – Ruminants) (2013 – present)

Feed Strategy (Freelance technical writer) (2014-present)

Non-Personal

Category of Interest

Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)

Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations

British Society of Animal Science (Trustee, Vice President and Chair of Events and Publications Committee) (member 2000-present; trustee 2013-present; Chair of M and A committee 2020-2023; Chair of Events and Publications committee 2023-present)

The Nutrition Society (member of Membership Committee) (member 2020-present; Membership Committee 2021-present)

Royal Society of Biology (Member 2021-present)

Society of Feed Technologists (Member 2009 – present)

Nottingham Trent University (Senior Visiting Fellow) (2019-present)

Dr Nick Wheelhouse

Personal 

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Direct employment	Edinburgh Napier University (2016-present)
Other fee-paid work from relevant organisations, consultancies	Visiting Lecturer, University of Liverpool (2016-present) External Examiner, Royal Veterinary College (2020-present) Associate Editor, Reproduction & Fertility (2020-present) Innovate UK assessor (2021-present) PhD examinations (University College Dublin; University of Southampton)
Membership, affiliation, trusteeships or decision-making position with relevant organisations	Global Research Alliance Animal Health Network & Greenhouse Gas Emissions Network (co-lead 2021-present) Microbiology Society (Ordinary member) Society for Reproduction & Fertility (Ordinary member)

Non-Personal

Category of Interest	Organisation/body and nature of interest (period)
Indirect financial or non-financial support from relevant organisations	AB Agri- Member of a research consortium which includes the Innovation lab as a partner organisation (2022-present)

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24

ACAF Annual Report 2023/24 - Appendix II Self-assessment against the Good Practice Guidelines

In this guide

Appendix II Self-assessment against the Good Practice Guidelines

In line with the Good Practice Guidelines for Scientific Advisory Committees, the Committee have reviewed their application of the principles of the Guidelines:

Defining the problem and the approach
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
1. The FSA will ensure that issues it asks an SAC to address are clearly defined and take account of stakeholder expectations in discussion with the SAC Secretariat and where necessary the SAC Chair. The SAC Chair will refer back to the FSA if discussion suggests that further iteration and discussion of the task is necessary. Where an SAC proposes to initiate a piece of work the SAC Chair and Secretariat will discuss this with FSA to ensure the definition and rationale for the work and its expected use by the FSA are clear.	Yes	The role of the Committee is clearly defined. The Chair will refer back to the Secretariat if further clarification is needed.

Seeking input
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
2. The Secretariat will ensure that stakeholders are consulted at appropriate points in the SAC’s considerations. It will consider with the FSA whether and how stakeholder views need to be taken into account in helping to identify the issue and frame the question for the committee.	Yes	The outputs of the Committee are shared with the relevant stakeholders for comment and checking the presence of confidential information.
3. Wherever possible, SAC discussions should be held in public.	Yes	Due to commercial sensitivities and the nature of ACAF’s work, the majority of discussions cannot be held in public. However, the minutes (excluding any commercially sensitive information) are published in the ACAF website.
4. The scope of literature searches made on behalf of the SAC will be clearly set out.	N/A	There were no literature searches made on behalf of the Committee in 2023/24.
5. Steps will be taken to ensure that all available and relevant scientific evidence is rigorously considered by the committee, including consulting external/additional scientific experts who may know of relevant unpublished or pre-publication data.	Yes	The Committee is comprised of a diverse panel of experts who critically assess all scientific evidence. If needed, the Committee, with the assistance of the Secretariat, seeks further information from other Committees or individual experts.
6. Data from stakeholders will be considered and weighted according to quality by the SAC.	Yes	The SAC critically assess all scientific evidence provided by applicants; better quality data is given more weighting.
7. Consideration by the Secretariat and the Chair (and where appropriate the whole SAC) will be given to whether expertise in other disciplines will be needed.	Yes	The Chair and the Secretariat often discuss the gaps in expertise of the Committee, to inform the yearly recruitment campaigns and any future work needs.
8. Consideration will be given by the Secretariat or by the SAC, in discussion with the FSA, as to whether other SACs need to be consulted.	Yes	When applicable, input is requested from other SACs (for example the Committee on Toxicity) if additional expertise is needed. This was not necessary in the period of this report.

Validation
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
9. Study design, methods of measurement and the way that analysis of data has been carried out will be assessed by the SAC.	Yes	The Committee critically assess the experimental design and data analysis of all dossiers.
10. Data will be assessed by the committee in accordance with the relevant principles of good practice, e.g. qualitative social science data will be assessed with reference to guidance from the Government’s Chief Social Researcher.	Yes	All data is assessed against the legislation and any published guidance documents. The Committee also evaluate the methods used to generate the data and ensure that they are in agreement with recognised standards/ quality assurance schemes (for example, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), etc.)
11. Formal statistical analyses will be included wherever appropriate. To support this, each SAC will have access to advice on quantitative analysis and modelling as needed.	Yes	The Committee’s expertise allows for evaluation of statistical analyses. Further support is available, when required, through other Committees and external experts.
12. When considering what evidence needs to be collected for assessment, the following points will be considered: the potential for the need for different data for different parts of the UK or the relevance to the UK situation for any data originating outside the UK; and whether stakeholders can provide unpublished data.	Yes	The Committee consider the relevance of any data submitted to the UK feed/farming market, particularly when originating from outside the UK. The Committee often consider unpublished data from applicants and request additional information if required.
13. The list of references will make it clear which references have been subject to external peer review, and which have been peer reviewed through evaluation by the Committee, and if relevant, any that have not been peer reviewed.	Yes	Application dossiers include a list of references which make it clear whether they have been peer reviewed.

Uncertainty
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
14. When reporting outcomes, SACs will make explicit the level and type of uncertainty (both limitations on the quality of the available data and lack of knowledge) associated with their advice.	Yes	The ACAF clearly outline their conclusions and uncertainties are identified.
15. Any assumptions made by the SAC will be clearly spelled out, and, in reviews, previous assumptions will be challenged.	Yes	Any assumptions are clearly labelled as such in the Committee’s Advice document.
16. Data gaps will be identified and their impact on uncertainty assessed by the SAC.	Yes	Data gaps and their impact on uncertainty are recorded in the Committee’s Advice document.
17. An indication will be given by the SAC about whether the evidence base is changing or static, and if appropriate, how developments in the evidence base might affect key assumptions and conclusions.	Yes	The Committee considers the latest scientific developments when carrying out their evaluations. This is taken into consideration within the regulatory framework of the ACAF’s work.

Drawing conclusions
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
18. The SAC will be broad-minded, acknowledging where conflicting views exist and considering whether alternative interpretations fit the same evidence.	Yes	Members critically evaluate any conclusions made by applicants and consider alternative explanations.
19. Where both risks and benefits have been considered, the committee will address each with the same rigour, as far as possible; it will make clear the degree of rigour and uncertainty, and any important constraints, in reporting its conclusions.	N/A	The nature of the ACAF’s work in the past year did not require the need to consider risks and benefits.
20. SAC decisions will include an explanation of where differences of opinion have arisen during discussions, specifically where there are unresolved issues, and why conclusions have been reached. If it is not possible to reach a consensus, a minority report may be appended to the main report, setting out the differences in interpretation and conclusions, and the reasons for these, and the names of those supporting the minority report.	Yes	The final opinions are adopted by consensus, identifying the key issues and generally explaining the reasoning behind the Committee’s conclusions.
21. The SAC’s interpretation of results, recommended actions or advice will be consistent with the quantitative and/or qualitative evidence and the degree of uncertainty associated with it.	Yes	The Committee base their conclusions and advice on the evidence, taking uncertainty into account.
22. SACs will make recommendations about general issues that may have relevance for other committees.	Yes	Application dossiers include a list of references which make it clear whether they have been peer reviewed.

Communicating SACs conclusions
Principle	Compliance	Evidence/ additional information
23. Conclusions will be expressed by the SAC in clear, simple terms and use the minimum caveats consistent with accuracy.	Yes	Conclusions in the Committee’s Advice Documents are aimed to be drafted in a clear and concise way.
24. It will be made clear by the SAC where assessments have been based on the work of other bodies and where the SAC has started afresh, and there will be a clear statement of how the current conclusions compare with previous assessments.	Yes	The Committee’s Advice Documents clearly outline where assessments are based on the work of other bodies, such as the AFFAJEG. The work and conclusions of each body are well explained.
25. The conclusions will be supported by a statement about their robustness and the extent to which judgement has had to be used.	Yes	The ACAF conclusions specify the regulatory framework under which they were undertaken. Any science-based judgement used is described within the conclusions.
26. As standard practice, the SAC secretariat will publish a full set of references (including the data used as the basis for risk assessment and other SAC opinions) at as early a stage as possible to support openness and transparency of decision-making. Where this is not possible, reasons will be clearly set out, explained and a commitment made to future publication wherever possible.	Yes	The regulatory and guidance framework are published in the main FSA website. The specific data from dossiers on which the risk assessment may take place cannot be made public.
27. The amount of material withheld by the SAC or FSA as being confidential will be kept to a minimum. Where it is not possible to release material, the reasons will be clearly set out, explained and a commitment made to future publication wherever possible.	Yes	Commercially sensitive information is kept confidential, but the Committee and the FSA require the applicant to justify why such information should be confidential. The FSA can refuse a request if they deem it unacceptable.
28. Where proposals or papers being considered by the FSA Board rest on scientific evidence produced by a SAC, the Chair of the SAC (or a nominated expert member) will be invited to the table at the Open Board meetings at which the paper is discussed. To maintain appropriate separation of risk assessment and risk management processes, the role of the Chairs will be limited to providing an independent view and assurance on how their committee’s advice has been reflected in the relevant policy proposals, and to answer Board Members’ questions on the science. The Chairs may also, where appropriate, be invited to provide factual briefing to Board members about particular issues within their committees’ remits, in advance of discussion at open Board meetings.	N/A	No proposals or papers were taken to the FSA board in 2023/2024.
29. The SAC will seek (and FSA will provide) timely feedback on actions taken (or not taken) in response to the SAC’s advice, and the rationale for these.	Yes	Following preparation of the Committee’s Advice document, the FSA publish a Safety Assessment based on the Committee’s recommendations. All decisions made by the FSA following the Committee’s recommendations (including the outcome of the risk management step) are given as updates in meetings.

In addition to reviewing their application of the principles of the Good Practice Guidelines, the Committee also self-assess the degree to which they feel they have worked effectively to the Guidelines in an annual appraisal process. In the 2023/24 annual appraisal, Members were asked how much they agreed with the following statement: “The SAC has been effective when working against Good Practice Guidelines”.

67% of Members strongly agreed, 17% agreed and 17% neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement. No Members disagreed with the statement.

The Chair was asked the same question. The Chair agreed with the statement.