Safety and Efficacy of Robenz 66G (robenidine Hydrochloride) for Chickens for Fattening and Turkeys for Fattening

Following a request from European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Robenz 66G (robenidine hydrochloride (HCl)) when used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening. The coccidiostat Robenz 66G is considered safe for chickens for fattening at the highest proposed level of 36 mg robenidine HCl/kg complete feed with a margin of safety of approximately 2.5. This conclusion is extrapolated to turkeys for fattening. Robenidine HCl is active against Gram-positive but not against Gram-negative bacteria. It is not expected that the use of robenidine HCl as a feed additive would induce resistance or cross-resistance to antimicrobials used in human and animal therapy. The use of robenidine HCl from Robenz 66G at the highest proposed level of 36 mg/kg complete feed in chickens and turkeys for fattening is considered safe for the consumer. The existing maximum residues limits for both avian species are confirmed. Robenidine HCl is not a skin or eye irritant and not a skin sensitiser. The risk via inhalation is considered negligible. The use of robenidine HCl from Robenz in feed for chickens for fattening and turkeys for fattening up to 36 mg/kg complete feed does not pose a risk to either the terrestrial or the aquatic compartment. A risk for bioaccumulation cannot be excluded. The risk for secondary poisoning is not likely to occur. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that 36 mg robenidine HCl/kg complete feed from Robenz 66G has the potential to effectively control coccidiosis of chickens for fattening under field conditions but cannot conclude on the efficacy of robenidine HCl in turkeys for fattening. The existing 5-day withdrawal period to avoid off-flavours in edible tissues should be maintained.