Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12674/DSM 35357 for silage only from moderately difficult material: plating on MRS agar according to EN 15786, PFGE according to CEN/TS 17697, dusting potential of the preparation up to 17 400 mg/m³
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1020, published on 8 May 2026, authorises until 28 May 2036 a preparation of Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12674/DSM 35357 (at least 1 × 10¹¹ CFU/g) as a silage additive for all animal species, at a dose of at least 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg fresh material, only in moderately difficult to ensile material (1.5–3.0 % soluble carbohydrates in fresh matter).
- Methods: identification — pulsed-field gel electrophoresis PFGE (CEN/TS 17697) or DNA sequencing; enumeration in the additive — spread plate (or pour plate) on MRS agar (EN 15786).
- EFSA data: in 6 batches 3.0–4.8 × 10¹¹ CFU/g; in 3 batches lead < 0.50, cadmium < 0.20, arsenic < 0.50 and mercury < 0.02 mg/kg; dusting potential 5 500–17 400 mg/m³ (Stauber-Heubach), particles below 100 µm 26.73–41.09 % by volume; losses < 0.5 log after 24 months at 25 °C and 60 % relative humidity.
- Efficacy: 4 laboratory experiments in 1.70 or 2.75 L mini-silos, 90 days — perennial ryegrass (DM 37.0 %), whole-crop triticale (65.5 %, difficult to ensile) and alfalfa (38.5 % and 21.0 %). In experiments 3 and 4 the silos had only screw caps without gas release valves, and none had devices for removing effluent. EFSA confirmed efficacy only for moderately difficult material (DM 21–38.5 %); it drew no conclusions for easy and difficult material.
- Users: the preparation is a skin and respiratory sensitiser, inhalation and skin contact are a risk, eye irritation was not assessed. The act requires skin, eye and respiratory protection if procedures and organisational measures do not eliminate the risks.