Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of CAROPHYLL ® Red 10% (preparation of canthaxanthin) for all poultry for breeding purposes (chickens, turkeys and other poultry)

CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % (active substance canthaxanthin) is intended for use as an additive for all poultry species for breeding purposes at a concentration of 6 mg/kg complete feed. Canthaxanthin from CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % is safe for breeder hens at the proposed dose. The safety of the use level can be extrapolated to other minor poultry breeder hens. The maximum proposed canthaxanthin concentration in feed for breeder hens does not exceed that already authorised for pigmenting eggs of the same animal category. Consequently, the intake of edible tissues and products from canthaxanthin‐treated poultry does not exceed the acceptable daily intake with respect to the established maximum residue limits for poultry tissues. No concerns regarding consumer safety would arise from the use of canthaxanthin in the additive in breeder poultry at the proposed dose. The use of lignosulphonate, the major constituent of the additive, as a carrier in CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % is considered to be safe for the consumer. CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % was not tested for potential as an irritant or sensitiser. In the absence of any information on lignosulphonate, it would be prudent to consider the additive as an irritant to skin and eyes and a skin sensitiser. The risk to users from inhalation toxicity is low. Considering the oxidative susceptibility of carotenoids, the use of CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % will not result in a risk to the environment. Canthaxanthin from CAROPHYLL ® Red 10 % has the potential to stabilise the reproductive performance of breeder hens, particularly during phases when the hatchability of eggs from breeder hens fed canthaxanthin‐free diets is reduced. An extrapolation of this conclusion to other breeder poultry species is not possible owing to inconsistencies in the timing of the effects observed and the absence of a scientifically sound theory on the mode of action.