Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of thiazoles, thiophene, thiazoline and thienyl derivatives (chemical group 29): 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene when used as a flavouring for all animal species

• Main Author: EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2013-08-01
• Series: EFSA Journal
• Subjects: Sensory additives; flavourings; thiazoles; thiophene; thiazoline and thienyl derivatives; 3-acetyl-2; 5-dimethylthiophene; chemical group 29
• Online Access: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/3323.pdf

The current opinion concerns only one of the compounds belonging to chemical group 29, 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene. 3-Acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is genotoxic in vitro and in vivo. The FEEDAP Panel considers 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene to be not safe when used as a feed flavouring for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is mutagenic and therefore is considered not safe for the target species and for the consumer of animal products. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel considered it prudent to treat this compound under assessment as an irritant to the skin and eyes, as a skin sensitiser and as hazardous by inhalation. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is mutagenic and therefore any exposure is considered not safe for the user. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the application of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene at 0.05 mg/kg feed for all species does not pose a risk for the environment. Since this compound is used in food as flavouring, and its function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.