Safety and efficacy of l-methionine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80184 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80096 for all animal species.

The European Commission asked EFSA for an opinion on the safety for the target animals, consumer, user and the environment and on the efficacy of l-methionine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80184 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80096 for all animal species. The two producing microorganisms were obtained by genetic modification. l-Methionine is intended to be used in feed or water for drinking for all animal species and categories. Neither viable cells of the production strains, nor their recombinant DNA were detected in the final product. The additive does not pose any safety concern associated with the genetic modification of the production strains. l-methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096. The additive is considered safe for the target species, for the consumer and for the environment. l-Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is considered not toxic by inhalation, non-irritant to skin or eyes and not a dermal sensitiser. Regarding the use in water, the FEEDAP Panel reiterates its concerns over the safety of l-methionine for target species when administered via water for drinking owing to the risk of nutritional imbalances and hygienic reasons. l-Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is considered as an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-methionine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l-methionine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.

Introduction

Background and Terms of Reference

Regulation (EC) No 1831/20031 establishes the rules governing the Community authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. In particular, Article 4(1) of that Regulation lays down that any person seeking authorisation for a feed additive or for a new use of a feed additive shall submit an application in accordance with Article 7.

The European Commission received a request from CJ Europe GmbH2 for authorisation of the product L‐Methionine (feed grade) produced by fermentation with C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, when used as a feed additive for all animal species (category: nutritional additives; functional group: amino acids and their salts and analogues).

According to Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, the Commission forwarded the application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as an application under Article 4(1) (authorisation of a feed additive or new use of a feed additive). The particulars and documents in support of the application were considered valid by EFSA as of 7 February 2019.

According to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, EFSA, after verifying the particulars and documents submitted by the applicant, shall undertake an assessment in order to determine whether the feed additive complies with the conditions laid down in Article 5. EFSA shall deliver an opinion on the safety for the target animals, consumer, user and the environment and on the efficacy of the product L‐Methionine produced by fermentation with genetically modified C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 for all animal species when used under the proposed conditions of use (see Section 3.1.7).

Additional information

l‐Methionine produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli (KCCM 11252P and KCCM 11340P) is authorised as a nutritional feed additive by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 852/20143; this regulation followed an EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of l‐methionine produced by E. coli (KCCM 11252P) and E. coli (KCCM 11340P) for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). The product under assessment, l‐Methionine produced by fermentation with genetically modified C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, has not been previously authorised as a feed additive in the European Union (EU).

l‐Methionine is currently authorised as a flavouring substance in feed (FLAVIS number: No 17.027).4

l‐Methionine may be used as a nutritional substance (list of amino acids and other nitrogen compounds) in the manufacture of infant formulae and follow‐on formulae.5 Methionine (dl‐Methionine) is registered as an ingredient for use in cosmetics as antistatic and for skin conditioning.6

A medicine for human use containing l‐Methionine is registered in the Community Register of Orphan medicinal product under number EU/3/18/2076.7

The European Pharmacopoeia has a dedicated monograph to l‐methionine (Ph. Eur., 2019).

Data and methodologies

Data

The present assessment is based on data submitted by the applicant in the form of a technical dossier8 in support of the authorisation request for the use of l‐Methionine produced by fermentation with C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 as a nutritional additive in feed or water for drinking for all animal species.

The FEEDAP Panel used the data provided by the applicant together with data from other sources, such as previous risk assessments by EFSA or other expert bodies, peer‐reviewed scientific papers and other scientific reports, to deliver the present output.

EFSA has verified the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) report as it relates to the methods used for the control of l‐Methionine in animal feed. The Executive Summary of the EURL report can be found in Annex A.9

Methodologies

The approach followed by the FEEDAP Panel to assess the safety and the efficacy of l‐Methionine produced by fermentation with C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is in line with the principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 429/200810 and the relevant guidance documents: Technical Guidance for assessing the safety of feed additives for the environment (EFSA, 2008), Guidance on studies concerning the safety of use of the additive for users/workers (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012a), Guidance on the identity, characterisation and conditions of use of feed additives (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017a), Guidance on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2018a), Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the target species (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017b), Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017c) and Guidance on the assessment of the efficacy of feed additives (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2018b).

Assessment

The product subject of this application is l‐methionine produced by fermentation with genetically modified strains of C. glutamicum and E. coli. The applicant is seeking the authorisation of this new source l‐methionine, intended to be used for all animal species in feed and water for drinking as a nutritional additive (functional group: amino acids, their salts and analogues).

The additive under assessment, l‐Methionine, corresponds with the active substance.

Methionine is an indispensable amino acid for all animal species. Methionine is clearly recognised as the first limiting amino acid in poultry, probably also the first for high‐yielding cows and the third one in pigs fed conventional diets. Therefore, additives containing l‐methionine or the hydroxy‐analogue of methionine as the active substance are frequently used in the feed industry to adjust the dietary methionine to the requirements of target animals in order to achieve more efficient conversion of feed and reduce nitrogen emissions.

Characterisation

Manufacturing process

l‐Methionine is produced via two independent fermentation processes by means of C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096. ■■■■■■■■■■

Characterisation of the production microorganisms

Information related to the genetically modified microorganisms

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The strain KCCM 80184 was identified as C. glutamicum by sequence comparison of the gene encoding ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

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The strain KCCM 80096 was identified as E. coli by sequence comparison of the gene encoding ■■■■■■■■■■

a) Characteristics of the recipient or parental microorganisms

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b) Characteristics of the donor organisms

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c) Description of the genetic modification process

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Characterisation of the additive

l‐Methionine has the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) name ‘l‐2‐amino‐4‐(methylthio)butanoic acid’ and its CAS number is 63‐68‐3. Its molecular weight is 149.2 g/mol, the molecular formula is C5H11NO2S and its molecular structure is given in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Molecular structure of l‐methionine

The applicant declared that the product contains by specification ≥ 98.5% l‐methionine as is (≥ 99% on dry matter), ≤ 0.5% water and ≤ 0.1 ash.17 The analysis of five batches of l‐methionine as is confirmed the specification: l‐methionine and water were found in the ranges of 99.24−99.39% and 0.11−0.18%, respectively. The applicant provided also an analysis of other free amino acids (i.e. valine, leucine and phenylalanine) with a total content of 0.38−0.44%.18

Heavy metals (lead Pb, mercury Hg, cadmium Cd) and arsenic (As) were analysed in three batches of the additive19; the results showed that those analytes could not be detected.20 The determination of bacterial counts (by total plate count), coliform bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella and yeasts and moulds in three batches of the additive showed compliance with the specifications.19 , 21 Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins (B1 and B2) analysed in three batches of the additive were not detected.19 , 22 Three batches of l‐methionine were analysed for dioxins and furans, dioxin‐like PCBs and pesticides23; the results showed that those impurities were not detected in the additive.24 The concentrations of the impurities reported did not raise concern.

Analytical data on the content of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)25 in three batches of the additive showed a range of 320–380 IU/g.26

The absence of viable cells of the production strains in three samples of l‐methionine was tested in triplicate by plating a solution of 1 g of the sample on a non‐selective, rich agar medium and cultivating at 30°C for 32 h. Positive controls of C. glutamicum and E. coli were included.27

No recombinant DNA of the production strains was detected in three batches of the final additive.28 Batches were analysed in triplicate (using 5 g of sample) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ■■■■■. Batches were analysed in triplicate; 5 g of sample were used. The limit of detection of the two genes was 5 ng of DNA per g of product for both strains.

Physical properties of the additive

The product is a white crystalline powder. Its solubility in water is 5.66 g/100 g water at 25°C. The bulk density of the additive is 550−700 kg/m3 and its melting point of 284°C.17 The optical rotation examined in three batches of the additive was +23.3° to +23.7, thus meeting the specification (+21.1°∼+25.1° at 25°C),19 , 29 and confirming the presence of the l‐enantiomer of methionine.

The analytical data of dusting potential from three batches of the additive were provided.30 The results showed an average dusting potential of 0.39 g/m3 (range: 0.35−0.42).

Particle size distribution of three batches of the additive analysed by sieving was provided.31 The results showed on average 10.7% (range 8.0−12.9) of particles below 75 μm, from which only a small fraction of particles (0.51%, range 0.45−0.64%) were below 43 μm.

Stability and homogeneity

The data provided on shelf life, stability in premixtures and in feedingstuffs and on the capacity of the additive to distribute homogeneously in feed were not produced with the product under assessment. Those data were obtained from the testing of another l‐methionine produced from E. coli KCCM 1152P and 11340P and have been evaluated by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). Since the physical characteristics, the purity and the production process of the two l‐methionine products – produced by different microorganisms – are similar, the FEEDAP Panel considers the previous data as representative for the product under assessment.

Physico‐chemical incompatibilities in feed

No physico‐chemical incompatibilities in feed are expected with other authorised additives, medicinal products or feed materials.

Conditions of use

The additive l‐methionine is proposed to be used in feed in order to achieve the adequate amino acid profile and meet the requirements on l‐methionine for all animal species. It can be added directly to the feed or via premixture. The use of l‐methionine in water for drinking is also proposed. No inclusion levels are recommended as the requirements in quantitative terms depend on the species, the physiological state of the animal, the performance level and the environmental conditions, as well as the amino acid content of the unsupplemented diet.

Safety

Safety of the genetic modification

The recipient organism C. glutamicum is considered to be safe. C. glutamicum qualifies for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment when used for production purposes (EFSA BIOHAZ Panel, 2019). ■■■■■

The recipient organism E. coli K‐12 is considered to be safe. ■■■■■

The product l‐methionine, produced by fermentation with C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, is considered to be safe with regard to the genetic modification of the production strains.

Safety for the target species, consumer and environment

Safety concerns from the additive may derive either from the amino acid or from the residues of the fermentation process/production strain remaining in the final product. The l‐methionine under assessment is highly purified (> 98.5% methionine and < 1% unidentified substances). Neither the production strains, C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, nor their recombinant DNA were detected in the final product; the safety assessment of the production strains, C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, did not raise elements of concern.

The requirements l‐methionine of different animal species (non‐ruminants and ruminants) and categories and the tolerance to l‐methionine excess in the diet have been described in a previous opinion of the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013).

The FEEDAP Panel considers that safety concerns for target species are highly unlikely to arise from the l‐methionine under application. The safety of l‐methionine for the target animals has been assessed by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). The Panel based its assessment on the previously established safety of dl‐methionine (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012b) and on the specific metabolism of l‐methionine and concluded that no safety concerns were expected. Regarding the use in water, the FEEDAP Panel reiterates its concerns over the safety of l‐methionine for target species when administered via water for drinking owing to the risk of nutritional imbalances and hygienic reasons (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2010). The level of endotoxins (LPS) in the product (320–380 IU/g) is one order of magnitude lower than that commonly observed in feedingstuffs (1,000 IU/mg; Cort et al., 1990) and is therefore of no concern for the target species.

The absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of methionine have been extensively described in a previous opinion of the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012b). The amino acid l‐methionine, supplemented to feed, will be incorporated into proteins of tissues and/or products of animal origin and any potential excess will be catabolised and excreted as urea/uric acid, sulfate and carbon dioxide. Therefore, the composition of tissues and products of animal origin will not be affected by the use of l‐methionine in animal nutrition.

The product does not pose any environmental concern associated with the production strains. The amino acid l‐methionine is a physiological and natural component in plants and animals. The use of l‐methionine in animal nutrition would not expectedly lead to any localised increase in its concentration in the environment.

The FEEDAP Panel concludes that l‐methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is safe for the target species, for the consumer and for the environment.

Safety for the user

No studies to support the safety for the user were performed with the product under assessment. The applicant provided an acute inhalation toxicity study,32 a skin irritation study,33 an eye irritation study34 and a dermal sensitisation study35 performed with l‐methionine produced by E. coli KCCM 11252P and E. coli KCCM 11340P; those studies had been evaluated previously by the FEEDAP Panel (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013). As the two l‐methionine characteristics and the production process are very similar, the production strains of the l‐methionine under assessment are C. glutamicum and an E. coli K‐12 derivative for which the genetic modifications raise no safety concerns, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the results of these studies submitted to support the safety for the users can be applied to the product under assessment.

Effects on the respiratory system

From the results of a previously assessed acute inhalation study (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013), the additive can be considered not toxic by inhalation.

The dusting potential of the additive was up to 0.42 g/m3 (see Section 3.2.3) and the content of LPS was up to 0.38 IU/mg. The effects of endotoxin (LPS) inhalation and the exposure limits have been described in a previous opinion (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2015). The scenario used to estimate the exposure of persons handling the additive to endotoxins in the dust, based on the EFSA Guidance on user safety (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012a) is described in the Appendix A. The health based recommended threshold for the quantity of inhaled endotoxins per working day is 900 IU, derived from provisional occupational exposure limits given by the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) (HCN, 2010) and the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 2013). Based upon the calculation of the potential endotoxin content in dust, the inhalation exposure could be up to 89 IU per 8‐h working day, indicating that there is no risk by inhalation exposure to endotoxins for persons handling the additive.

The FEEDAP Panel considers therefore that the additive is not toxic by inhalation.

Effects on the skin and eyes

From the results of previously assessed studies (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2013), the additive can be considered not irritant to skin and eyes, and not a dermal sensitiser.

Conclusions on safety for the user

l‐Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli K12 KCCM 80096 is considered not toxic by inhalation, not irritant to skin or eyes and not a dermal sensitiser.

Efficacy

Efficacy studies are not required for amino acids naturally occurring in proteins of plants and animals. The nutritional role of the amino acid l‐methionine is well established in the scientific literature. The additive l‐methionine is regarded as an effective source of methionine for non‐ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l‐methionine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen (Chalupa, 1976; Broderick and Balthrop, 1979).

Post‐market monitoring

The FEEDAP Panel considers that there is no need for specific requirements for a post‐market monitoring plan other than those established in the Feed Hygiene Regulation36 and Good Manufacturing Practice.

Conclusions

Neither the production strains, C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096, nor their recombinant DNA were detected in the final product. The additive does not pose any safety concern associated with the genetic modification of the production strains.

l‐Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is considered safe for the target species, for the consumer and for the environment. l‐Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli K12 KCCM 80096 is considered not toxic by inhalation, non‐irritant to skin or eyes and not a dermal sensitiser.

Regarding the use in water, the FEEDAP Panel reiterates its concerns over the safety of l‐methionine for target species when administered via water for drinking owing to the risk of nutritional imbalances and hygienic reasons.

l‐Methionine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 80184 and E. coli KCCM 80096 is considered as an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l‐methionine for non‐ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l‐methionine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.

Documentation provided to EFSA/Chronology

Abbreviations

Antibiotic Resistance Genes database

Arsenic

EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards

European Union Reference Laboratory

Food Chemical Codex

EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed

The EU Flavour Information System

ion‐exchange chromatography coupled to visible or fluorescence detection

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry

Korean Culture Collection of Microorganisms

lipopolysaccharide

minimum inhibitory concentration

Polychlorinated biphenyls

Polymerase chain reaction

qualified presumption of safety

relative standard deviation for repeatability

relative standard deviation for reproducibility

whole genome sequencing

The effects of the endotoxin inhalation and the exposure limits have been described in a previous opinion (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2015).

Calculation of maximum acceptable levels of exposure from feed additives

For additives added in premixtures, the likely exposure time according to the relevant EFSA guidance assumes a maximum of 40 periods of exposure per day, each comprising 20 s, equal to = 800 s/day (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012a,b). With an uncertainty factor of 2, maximum inhalation exposure would occur for 2 × 800 = 1,600 s (0.444 h/day). Again, assuming a respiration volume of 1.25 m3/h, the inhalation volume providing exposure to potentially endotoxin‐containing dust would be 0.444 × 1.25 = 0.556 m3/day. This volume should contain no more than 900 IU endotoxin, so the dust formed from the product should contain no more than 900/0.556 = 1,619 IU/m .

Calculation of endotoxin content of dust

Two key measurements are required to evaluate the potential respiratory hazard associated with endotoxin content of the product (the dusting potential of the product, expressed in g/m3; the endotoxin activity of the dust, determined by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay (expressed in IU/g). If data for the dust are not available, the content of endotoxins of the product can be used instead. If the content of endotoxins of the relevant additive is a IU/g and the dusting potential is b g/m3, then the content of endotoxins of the dust, c IU/m3, is obtained by the simple multiplication a × b. This resulting value is further used for calculation of potential inhalatory exposure by users to endotoxin from the additive under assessment (Table A.1) (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012a,b).

Table A.1

Estimation of user expossure to endotoxins from the additive l‐methionine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80184 and Escherichia coli K12 KCCM 80096 for all animal species, including consideration of using filter half mask (FF P2 or FF P3)37 as a preventative measure

Calculation	Identifier	Description	Amount	Source
	a	Endotoxin content IU/g product	380	Technical dossier
	b	Dusting potential (g/m3)	0.42	Technical dossier
a × b	c	Endotoxin content in the air (IU/m3)	159.6
	d	No of premixture batches made/working day	40	EFSA FEEDAP Panel (2012a,b)
	e	Time of exposure (s)/production of one batch	20	EFSA FEEDAP Panel (2012a,b)
d × e	f	Total duration of daily exposure/worker (s)	800
	g	Uncertainty factor	2	EFSA FEEDAP Panel (2012a,b)
f × g	h	Refined total duration of daily exposure (s)	1600
h/3 600	i	Refined total duration of daily exposure (h)	0.44
	j	Inhaled air (m3)/eight‐hour working day	10	EFSA FEEDAP Panel (2012a,b)
j/8 × i	k	Inhaled air during exposure (m3)	0.56
c × k	l	Endotoxin inhaled (IU) during exposure/eight‐hour working day	88.7
	m	Health‐based recommended exposure limit of endotoxin (IU/m3)/eight‐hour working day	90	Health Council of the Netherlands (2010)
m × j	n	Health‐based recommended exposure limit of total endotoxin exposure (IU)/eight‐hour working day	900
l/10		Endotoxins inhaled (IU)/eight‐hour working day reduced by filter half mask FF P2 (reduction factor 10)	8.9
l/20		Endotoxins inhaled (IU)/eight‐hour working day reduced by filter half mask FF P3 (reduction factor 20)	4.4

References

EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed), 2012 Guidance on studies concerning the safety of use of the additive for users/workers. EFSA Journal 2012;10(1):2539, 5 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2539

EFSA FEEDAP Panel (EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed), 2015. Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of l‐lysine monohydrochloride produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli for all animal species based on a dossier submitted by HELM AG on behalf of Meihua Holdings Group Co. Ltd. EFSA Journal 2015;13(3):4052, 16 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4052

Health Council of the Netherlands, 2010. Endotoxins. Health‐based recommended occupational exposure limit. Publication no 2010/04OSH, 100 pp.

In the current application authorisation is sought under Article 4(1) for , under the category/functional group 3(c) ‘nutritional additives’/‘amino acids, their salts and analogues’, according to Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Authorisation is sought for all animal species.

According to the Applicant, has a minimum purity (mass fraction) of 98.5%. The feed additive is intended to be added directly into feedingstuffs (or through premixtures) and water for drinking. However, the Applicant did not propose any minimum or maximum content of in feedingstuffs.

For the quantification of in the feed additive the Applicant submitted the method based on titration described in the corresponding European Pharmacopoeia monograph. For the quantification of methionine in the feed additive the EURL identified instead the ring‐trial validated method EN ISO 17180:2013 based on ion‐exchange chromatography coupled to visible or fluorescence detection (IEC‐VIS/FLD). This standard method does not distinguish between the salts of amino acids and it cannot differentiate between enantiomers. It applies for products containing more than 10% of amino acid. The following performance characteristics were reported: a relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) ranging from 0.5 to 1.6% and a relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR) ranging from 1.5 to 2.6%. In addition, the EURL identified the “l‐methionine monograph” of the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) for the identification of in the feed additive.

For the quantification of in premixtures and feedingstuffs the Applicant submitted the ring‐trial validated Community method (Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009) based on IEC coupled to photometric detection (IEC‐VIS). This method, designed only for the analysis of amino acids in premixtures and feedingstuffs, does not distinguish between the salts and the amino acid enantiomers. The Community method was ring‐trial validated using four different matrices. This method was further ring‐trial validated by twenty‐three laboratories, resulting in the EN ISO 13903:2005 method. The following performance characteristics were reported for the quantification of total methionine: RSDr ranging from 1.1 to 5.6% and RSDR ranging from 6.9 to 13%.

The Applicant did not provide experimental data to determine in water. Nevertheless, for the quantification of methionine in water, as concluded in the previous EURL reports and further specified in the corresponding legislation, the EURL recommended the Community method for official control.

In the frame of this authorisation the EURL recommends for official control (i) the “l‐methionine monograph” of the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) based on infrared absorption for the identification of in the feed additive; (ii) the ring‐trial validated method EN ISO 17180:2013 based on ion‐exchange chromatography coupled to visible or fluorescence detection (IEC‐VIS/FLD) to quantify free methionine in the feed additive and premixtures (containing more than 10% methionine); and (iii) the Community method based on IEC‐VIS for the quantification of methionine in premixtures, feedingstuffs and water.

Further testing or validation of the methods to be performed through the consortium of National Reference Laboratories as specified by Article 10 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005), as last amended by Regulation (EU) 2015/1761) is not considered necessary.

Date	Event
28/11/2018	Dossier received by EFSA. L‐Methionine produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80184 and Escherichia coli KCCM 80096 for all animal species. Submitted by CJ Europe GmbH
17/12/2018	Reception mandate from the European Commission
07/02/2019	Application validated by EFSA – Start of the scientific assessment
25/03/2019	Request of supplementary information to the applicant in line with Article 8(1)(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 – Scientific assessment suspended. Issue: characterisation
07/05/2019	Comments received from Member States
07/05/2019	Reception of the Evaluation report of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives
13/06/2019	Reception of supplementary information from the applicant ‐ Scientific assessment re‐started
03/07/2019	Request of supplementary information to the applicant in line with Article 8(1)(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 – Scientific assessment suspended Issue: characterisation
05/09/2019	Reception of supplementary information from the applicant ‐ Scientific assessment re‐started
08/10/2019	Request of supplementary information to the applicant in line with Article 8(1)(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 – Scientific assessment suspended Issue: characterisation
14/10/2019	Reception of supplementary information from the applicant ‐ Scientific assessment re‐started
12/11/2019	Opinion adopted by the FEEDAP Panel. End of the Scientific assessment