(1)

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. Article 10(7) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 sets out specific provisions for the placing on the market and use of products used in the Union as silage additives at the date that Regulation became applicable.

(2)

In accordance with Article 10(1), point (b), of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, the preparations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942 (previously taxonomically identified as Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942) were entered in the Register of Feed Additives as existing products belonging to the functional group of silage additives, for all animal species.

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(7) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 and Article 10(2) thereof, applications were submitted for the authorisation of the preparations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942 as feed additives for all animal species, requesting those additives to be classified in the category ‘technological additives’ and in the functional group ‘silage additives’. Those applications were accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 23 May 2012 (2) that the use of the preparations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942 in the production of silage is presumed safe for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed with treated silage and the environment, but found no evidence that those two preparations have a beneficial effect on the preservation of nutrients and therefore could not conclude on their efficacy. In addition, the Authority noted that according to their generic material safety data sheet, the preparations may cause irritation on prolonged contact with skin and eyes and concluded that their potential as skin and respiratory sensitisers should be considered due to the proteinaceous nature of the active agents.

(5)

In its opinion of 10 October 2013 (3), the Authority still could not conclude on the efficacy of those preparations due to the absence of any significant evidence of nutrient preservation. However, based on three new efficacy studies provided by the applicant as supplementary information, the Authority eventually concluded in its opinion of 27 September 2022 (4) that the preparations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942 have the potential to improve the ensiling process by reducing protein degradation in all type of forages as indicated by the reduction of ammonia production.

(6)

The assessment of the preparations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 55058 and ATCC 55942 shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of those preparations should be authorised. The Commission considers that appropriate protective measures should be taken to prevent adverse effects on the health of the users of the additive.

(7)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation of the preparations concerned, it is appropriate to provide for a transitional period for the interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

(8)

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