Feed additive reduces carcass contamination

This regulatory breakthrough is based on an extensive knowledge about the S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 mode of action and its positive effects in the digestive tract, in particular its unique properties supporting a balanced intestinal microbiota and reinforcing natural defenses.

The company has assembled an extensive research dossier that shows how the live yeast probiotic strain can help reduce the Salmonella spp. contamination on carcasses of broiler chicken, and thus improve the quality and safety of poultry food products. It offers a new and efficient tool to the poultry industry players that have to implement strict prevention procedure from farm to slaughterhouse and food processing steps.

“In the EU, all probiotics are authorized under the category of ‘zootechnical additives’ and most of them in the ‘gut flora stabilizers’ or ‘digestibility enhancers’ functional groups. Those functions are mainly demonstrated with zootechnical performance data. When other efficacy end-points are documented, probiotics can then be authorized as ‘other zootechnical additives’ with a specific ‘claim’ associated to it.” comments Ludovic Arnaud, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Manager – Europe.

Thanks to an extensive research dossier submitted scientific experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have acknowledged the potential of the probiotic S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 to aid in the reduction of carcass contamination by Salmonella spp. This has led to the authorization of the additive under “other zootechnical additives” with the mention of reduction of Salmonella contamination on carcasses through its decrease in the faeces.

“In the global context of fighting antimicrobial resistance in the EU, the reduction of antimicrobial usage in livestock production is a key target while increased pressure is put on food safety and food quality. Salmonellosis is one of the major food-borne diseases facing the poultry industry worldwide. Salmonella control is a multi-factorial issue that concerns the entire production chain, from farm to fork. Having a microbial feed additive, with substantial technical and scientific support, that is also recognized to help reduce the risk of Salmonella carcass contamination is an opportunity for the whole food chain”, concluded Matthieu Baulez, Global Category Manager - Monogastric Feed Additives.