Smoke flavouring extract 2b0001 in dog and cat food refused: exposure to benzofuran and styrene 394–582 times above the TTC, and the “reduction” of carbonyl compounds in the act is, in EFSA’s data, an increase from 1.2–3.0 to 4.0–6.0 wt %
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/89, published on 15 January 2026, denies the renewal of the authorisation of a preparation containing smoke flavouring extract 2b0001 (Scansmoke PET SEF 7525) for dogs and cats and repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1076/2014. The additive and premixtures must be withdrawn from the market by 4 May 2026, and feed materials and compound feed containing it by 4 August 2026.
- Specifications: in the current authorisation carbonyl compounds 1.2–3.0 wt %, phenols 8.0–12.0 wt %, total acids 0.06–0.25 meq/g; the applicant proposed carbonyls 4.0–6.0 wt %, phenols (as syringol) 7.0–12.0 % and acids 0.07–0.27 meq/g. Six batches: carbonyls 4.4–5.4 %, phenols 8.1–9.9 %. The difference was attributed to the analytical method (reaction of carbonyls with hydroxylamine), but without data — EFSA noted that the new method had not been evaluated by the EU reference laboratory. The act in its Polish and English versions calls the change a “reduction of the level of carbonyl compounds”.
- The volatile fraction accounts on average for 40.1 wt % of the additive (GC-MS, 41 compounds). At the authorised level of 40 mg/kg feed this gives up to 0.052 mg benzofuran and 0.064 mg styrene per kg feed; exposure of dogs and cats is 0.985–1.182 µg/kg bw per day for benzofuran and 1.212–1.455 µg/kg bw for styrene, i.e. 394–582 times above the TTC of 0.0025 µg/kg bw per day for DNA-reactive mutagens.
- Unidentified fractions: 7.4 wt % of the volatile and 59.7 wt % of the non-volatile part of the additive; the whole mixture raises a potential concern for genotoxicity in vitro. EFSA could not conclude on safety for dogs and cats. The same extract was not renewed for use in food — Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2072, following the EFSA opinion of 28 September 2023.
- The Commission adds that long-living animals fed a less varied diet throughout their lives would be more exposed than consumers who eat smoked products only occasionally. For users, EFSA considered the additive a skin and eye irritant and a skin and respiratory sensitiser.