EFSA Issues Opinion on Formaldehyde in Animal Feed

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) has issued an opinion on formaldehyde, currently used as a feed additive and a preservative for skimmed milk intended for pigs.

Concluding that “although there is no health risk for consumers exposed to
the substance through the food chain,” FEEDAP cautions that inhalation of
formaldehyde may cause cancer and appropriate measures should be taken
to “ensure that the respiratory tract, skin and eyes of any person handling the
product are not exposed to any dust, mist or vapour generated by the use of
formaldehyde.” The panel also notes that formaldehyde will not accumulate in
the environment and its use in animal nutrition is not expected to pose a risk
for the environment.

Issue 514