ADDITIVES

Sage oil can be used in recommended amounts as an additive for ornamental aquaculture feeds and salmonids

Parma, Italy, 26 December 2024 | EFSA repot supports its use as flavouring in aquaculture feeds

Hojas de salvia

Sage oil (Salvia officinalis), widely recognised for its aromatic and flavouring properties, has been approved as a feed additive for all animal species, including ornamental fish and salmonids.

This conclusion comes from a recent study conducted by the Panel of Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The study confirms that sage oil is safe for fish when used at a maximum concentration of 20 milligrams per kilogram of feed.

Categorised as a sensory additive, sage oil enhances feed palatability, encouraging greater consumption and supporting sustainability in feed utilisation.

Given its well-established use as a flavouring agent in human diets, no additional testing is required for its application in aquaculture feed. This administrative streamlining facilitates its swift adoption in aquaculture feeding practices.

However, experts caution that sage oil should be handled carefully, as it has been identified as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Workers managing this additive should adopt appropriate protective measures.

This approval of sage oil as a feed additive presents new opportunities to enhance the quality of ornamental and salmonid aquaculture feeds. This development could contribute to the sector’s sustained growth, fostering innovation and environmental sustainability.

Reference:
EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP). (2024). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the leaves of Salvia officinalis L. (sage oil) for use in all animal species. EFSA Journal, 22, e9135.

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