Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of L‐valine produced by Escherichia coli NITE SD 00066 for all animal species

The additive L‐valine is produced by a strain of Escherichia coli (NITE SD 00066) obtained by chemical mutagenesis. The additive L‐valine is safe for all animal target species/categories when used in appropriate amounts to supplement feed to compensate for a valine deficiency in feedingstuffs. The composition of tissues and products of animal origin will not be changed by the use of L‐valine in animal nutrition. Considering the high purity of the product under assessment, no risks are expected for the consumer from its use as a feed additive. In the absence of any data, it would be prudent to consider L‐valine produced by E. coli NITE SD 00066 to be an irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes, a potential dermal sensitiser and potentially harmful by inhalation. The amino acid L‐valine is a natural component of plants and animals. The use of the product L‐valine under assessment in animal nutrition does not represent a risk to the environment. The product L‐valine is considered to be an efficacious source of the amino acid L‐valine for all non‐ruminant species. Supplementary free amino acid valine is degraded by ruminal microorganisms if it is not given in a protected form.