Ammonium chloride

In the current applications authorisation is sought: - under articles 4(1) and 10(2) for ammonium chloride (E510) under the category "technological additives", functional group 1j "acidity regulators" by Applicant I (FAD-2010-0242), and - under articles 4(1) for Amoklor (ammonium chloride) under the category "zootechnical additives", functional group 4d "other zootechnicals", by Applicant II (FAD-2010-0037) according to the classification system of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. According to Applicants I and II, the feed additive is a white, crystalline powder with a minimum purity of 99.0 and 99.5%, respectively. 

Specifically, authorisation is sought for the use of the feed additive for bovines, sheep, cats and dogs by Applicant I and lambs for fattening by Applicant II. The feed additive is intended to be used in feedingstuffs. Applicant I and II suggested for ammonium chloride a concentration in feedingstuffs ranging from 2 to 20 g/kg and from 5 to 10 g/kg, respectively, while no limits were set in previous regulations. 

For the quantification of ammonium chloride in the feed additive, Applicant I proposes a method similar to the method described in the European Pharmacopoea Monograph 0007. The EURL recommends for official control the internationally recognised European Pharmacopoeia method or the internationally recognised JECFA method to determine ammonium chloride in the feed additive. 

The unambiguous quantification of ammonium chloride in feedingstuffs is not achievable by analytical methods. Hence, the EURL does not recommend for official control any methods for the quantification of ammonium chloride in feedingstuffs.

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) is not considered necessary.

Recommended Method

as of:

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1710

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1786

Quantification of ammonium chloride in feed additive: 

• Titration with sodium hydroxide (European Pharmacopoeia, monograph 0007)

  or 

• titration with silver nitrate (JECFA monograph ‘ammonium chloride)