Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Taminizer D (dimethylglycine sodium salt) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening

The additive Taminizer D is a preparation of dimethylglycine sodium salt (≥ 97 %) produced by chemical synthesis. The additive is intended for use in chickens for fattening at a recommended dose of 1 g/kg complete feed. A tenfold dose of DMG‐Na was well tolerated by chickens for fattening, indicating that Taminizer D at the recommended dietary level is safe for the target animals. Toxicological studies are not required because DMG‐Na is absorbed in the form of a physiological compound and it does not have the potential to accumulate in the body at the recommended dietary level. Since the product does not result in a higher deposition in edible tissues when fed at the recommended dietary level, it is concluded that the use of DMG‐Na in feedstuffs for chickens for fattening at this dose would not raise concerns for the safety of consumers. The additive is not a skin irritant but it may be an eye irritant and should be considered as a skin sensitiser. Due to the low dusting potential of the additive, a significant exposure by inhalation is not expected. The use of the product as a feed additive for chickens for fattening would not pose a risk to the environment. The results obtained in four efficacy studies showed that DMG‐Na at the recommended dose has the potential to improve the performance of chickens for fattening. An impact on product quality is unlikely.