Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 40027 for silage (1k20743) renewed until 17 August 2035: identification to CEN/TS 17697, enumeration on MRS agar to EN 15787; batches 6.3 × 10¹¹ CFU/g on average, cryoprotectant sodium erythorbate up to 20 % assessed separately
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1504, published on 28 July 2025, renews until 17 August 2035 the authorisation of a preparation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 40027 (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) as a silage additive for all animal species and deletes the existing entry from Regulation (EU) No 1113/2013, which also covers four Lactobacillus buchneri strains (the name used in that regulation’s title). In its opinion of 26 November 2024 EFSA found the additive still safe; it is not irritant to skin or eyes, but is a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure by these routes is considered a risk.
- Methods in the annex: strain identification — DNA sequencing or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to CEN/TS 17697; enumeration — spread plate or pour plate on MRS agar to EN 15787. The reference laboratory considered its conclusions from the previous authorisation still valid, so there was no new report (Article 5(4)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 378/2005). The additive must contain at least 1 × 10¹¹ CFU/g; minimum dose without other micro-organisms — 1 × 10⁸ CFU/kg fresh material that is easy or moderately difficult to ensile and 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg difficult material (below 1.5 % soluble carbohydrates).
- Data from the EFSA opinion: five batches — 6.3 × 10¹¹ CFU/g on average (5.4–6.8 × 10¹¹); yeasts, filamentous fungi and coliforms < 1000 CFU/g, Enterobacteriaceae < 10 CFU/g, Salmonella not detected in 25 g, E. coli in 10 g. Lead, mercury, arsenic and aflatoxins below the LOQ, cadmium 0.05 mg/kg in one batch. The strain was isolated from grass silage; ANI 98.96 % with the type strain L. plantarum DSM 20174T, all MICs below the cut-off values, no resistance genes above the EFSA thresholds (NCBI and CARD databases).
- Physical properties: bulk density 452 kg/m³ on average, dusting potential by the Stauber-Heubach method 19.0–26.0 g/m³ (premixture 10.8 g/m³), particles < 10 µm 0.88–2.94 %. Stability: at −18 °C for 24 months, premixture at 20 °C for 24 months and suspension in water at 20 °C for 48 h — viability losses < 0.5 log. Since the previous assessment the producer reduced the share of cryoprotectants and sodium aluminosilicate in favour of biomass.
- Sodium erythorbate (up to 20 % of the additive) is authorised only as a food additive, so EFSA assessed it separately: at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg it gives about 0.31 mg/kg silage (about 0.9 mg/kg complete feed), against safe levels of 72–325 mg/kg derived from the NOAEL of 650 mg/kg bw per day for male rats. Cryoprotectants in the annex: glycine ≤ 20 % and sodium erythorbate ≤ 20 %; skin and respiratory protection. Additive and feed labelled before 17 August 2026 — until stocks are exhausted.