Safety of a tincture derived from Artemisia vulgaris L. (Mugwort tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species

The tincture derived from Artemisia vulgaris L. (Mugwort tincture) is intended to be used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species. The product is a water/ethanol solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.7% and is specified to contain a minimum of 0.01% hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (expressed as chlorogenic acid). In a previous assessment, the additive was not characterised in full and about 74% of the dry matter fraction remained uncharacterised (representing 1.24% of the tincture). Therefore, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the safety of the additive at the proposed use levels of up to 400 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species or for the consumer. The applicant has provided new data which show that the unidentified fraction consists of crude fibre, other carbohydrates, and protein; none of which are considered of concern. Consequently, the Panel concludes that the additive is safe when used at the proposed use level of 400 mg/kg feed for all animal species. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the application of the additive at the proposed use level in animal nutrition.

Keywords: Artemisia vulgaris L.; Mugwort tincture; safety; sensory additives; tincture.