The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to demonstrate the efficacy of a feed additive containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1079 for dogs and all other Canidae, according to a scientific opinion adopted on 30 June 2026 and published on 21 July 2026. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) assessed four new efficacy trials submitted by the applicant Danstar Ferment AG, but found that only two showed positive effects on faecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and faecal consistency or dry matter, while the other two did not show significant benefits. The Panel stated that at least one additional trial showing positive effects on relevant faecal parameters would be necessary to support efficacy.
The opinion follows a previous EFSA assessment on 4 June 2024, in which the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the same additive for dogs and Canidae. The European Commission then gave the applicant the opportunity to submit supplementary information, leading to the current evaluation. The additive, marketed under the tradename Levucell SB, is already authorised for use in feed for sows, piglets, chickens, turkeys, and other species as a gut flora stabiliser. The applicant sought to extend its use to dogs and all Canidae as a zootechnical additive (functional group: gut flora stabilisers).
The four new trials assessed faecal dry matter, faecal consistency, and faecal IgA in dogs. In trials 1 and 4, supplementation with the additive resulted in significantly higher faecal IgA content; in trial 1, an improvement in faecal consistency and lower faecal dry matter were also observed, while in trial 4, higher faecal dry matter was noted. However, trials 2 and 3 showed no significant positive effects on the key parameters. The Panel noted that the statistical analysis for trials 2 and 3 did not adequately reflect the experimental design, and no statistical evaluation of faecal score was conducted in trial 2. Consequently, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for improving faecal consistency or faecal IgA content in dogs, and therefore could not conclude on its efficacy for all Canidae.
The opinion impacts Danstar Ferment AG, which sought authorisation for a new target species, and dog owners and pet food manufacturers who might have used the additive for gut health benefits. The additive is considered safe for all Canidae, but its efficacy remains unproven under the proposed conditions of use. The European Commission will consider EFSA's opinion in its decision on whether to authorise the additive for dogs and Canidae.