Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation.

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of monosodium glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188. This application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

The application concerns the authorisation of monosodium glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188 as a feed additive for all animal species. The applicant requested this additive to be classified in the additive category ‘sensory additives’.

The applicant requested the feed additive to be authorised for use also in water for drinking. However, Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 does not allow the authorisation of ‘flavouring compounds’ for use in water for drinking. Therefore, the use of monosodium glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188 in water for drinking should not be allowed. The fact that the additive is not authorised for use as a flavouring in water for drinking does not preclude its use in compound feed administered via water.

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 19 March 20202 that, under the proposed conditions of use monosodium glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188 does not have adverse effects on animal health, consumer health or the environment. The Authority concluded in the opinion that the additive is not toxic by inhalation, not irritant to skin or eyes and is not a dermal sensitiser. The Authority also concluded, that the effect of monosodium glutamate for increasing the taste of food is well proven, and therefore, no further demonstration of its efficacy in feed is necessary. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the methods of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

The assessment of monosodium glutamate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80188 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

Restrictions and conditions should be provided for to allow better control. In particular, a recommended content should be indicated on the label of the feed additive. Where such content is exceeded, certain information should be indicated on the label of premixtures.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,