Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of selenium in the form of organic compounds produced by the selenium-enriched yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R646 (Selemax 1000/2000) as feed additive for all species EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)

The additive Selemax consists of selenium-containing inactivated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R646), enriched during the fermentation process with organic selenocompounds, and is intended to be used as a nutritional additive, providing a source of the essential trace element selenium for all animal species. Based on data from a tolerance study in chickens for fattening, the use of Selemax as a selenium source is considered to be safe for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel reiterates its former conclusion that the use of any selenised yeast would result in similar selenium deposition in tissues and products. To ensure consumer safety from consumption of tissues and products of animals treated with Selemax, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that dietary selenium supplementation from Selemax, as for other selenised yeasts, should not exceed a maximum of 0.2 mg Se/kg complete feed. In the absence of specific data, the product is considered as a potential irritant to skin and eyes and sensitiser to skin. Owing to its proteinaceous nature, the additive is considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of Selemax in feed does not pose an additional risk to the environment, compared to other sources of selenium for which it will substitute, as long as the maximum authorised content in feedingstuffs is not exceeded. Based on the response of liver glutathione peroxidase activity and the liver/ plasma concentration of selenium, the FEEDAP Panel considers Selemax an effective source of selenium for all species. Selemax does not modify the quality of meat as measured by physical parameters. (C) European Food Safety Authority, 2012