Alpha-galactosidase and xylanase (Capsozyme SB Plus) also for turkeys: activity in GALU and AXC determined colorimetrically — on p-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactopyranoside, wheat arabinoxylan and azo-xylan
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1772, published on 24 July 2026, authorises until 13 August 2036 a preparation of alpha-galactosidase from Aspergillus tubingensis ATCC SD 6740 and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase from Trichoderma orientale CBS 139997 (previously assigned to T. longibrachiatum) as a digestibility enhancer for turkeys for fattening and reared for breeding. Minimum content: 14 GALU and 18 AXC/kg complete feed.
- Control methods: xylanase — enzymatic reaction with colorimetric determination on a substrate containing wheat arabinoxylan (additive and premixtures) or azo-xylan (compound feed); alpha-galactosidase — colorimetric method on the substrate para-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside. 1 AXC releases 0.058 µmol/min of reducing sugars (as xylose) from wheat arabinoxylan at pH 4.7 and 30 °C; 1 GALU degrades 1 µmol/min of substrate at pH 5.5 and 37 °C. The EU reference laboratory did not prepare a new report — it considered valid the conclusions of the assessment verified by EFSA in 2020.
- Solid additive: at least 40 GALU/g and 50 AXC/g; 2 % of each fermentation product, 95 % kieselguhr and 1 % dextrin. EFSA data: in 6 batches 42–45 GALU/g and 52–57 AXC/g; in 3 batches lead 0.69–1.4 mg/kg, cadmium 0.21–0.41 mg/kg, arsenic 0.8–0.94 mg/kg, mercury < 0.050 mg/kg, dusting potential 104–132 mg/m³ (Stauber-Heubach). The only change from the previous assessment is a different antifoaming agent in fermentation.
- EFSA assessed safety for turkeys on the basis of an earlier tolerance trial in chickens for fattening, and efficacy by extrapolating results from chickens (two long-term trials and a balance trial at 14 GALU and 18 AXC/kg). The applicant also proposed a maximum level of 20 GALU and 25 AXC/kg, which EFSA considered safe; the act gives only the minimum content.
- Users: the additive is a respiratory sensitiser and exposure by inhalation is considered a risk; EFSA drew no conclusions on skin and eye irritation or skin sensitisation. The act requires respiratory, eye and skin protection if procedures do not eliminate the risks. The same preparation was already authorised for chickens for fattening and reared for laying, minor poultry species and ornamental birds.