Lignosulphonate

In the current application authorisation is sought under articles 4(1) and 10(2) for Lignosulphonate under the category of 'technological additives' functional groups 'g) binders' and 'k) silage additives' according to Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Specifically, authorisation is sought for the use of Lignosulphonate in premixtures, feedingstuffs, water and silage for all animal species. It is intended to be marketed either as spray dried powder or as an aqueous solution. Lignosulphonate is intended to be mixed as binder in premixtures and feedingstuffs, as silage additive, or used directly in water. Unlike the previous regulation, where no condition of use was set, the Applicant proposed the following concentration levels: 50 to 1000 mg/kg for silage and 1 to 3 g/kg for feedingstuffs.

For the determination of Lignosulphonate in the feed additive the Applicant proposed an indirect determination based on reducing sugars (derived from hemicellulose) and total ash (including calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulphate and sulphite), as described in the JECFA monograph (40-65 - new specification for calcium lignosulfonate). No performance characteristics of these methods are provided. However, the EURL considers these methods suitable to be used within the frame of official control.

The Applicant did not provide any experimental method or data for the determination of Lignosulphonate in premixtures, feedingstuffs, silage and water. Furthermore, the unambiguous determination of the content of Lignosulphonate added to premixtures, feedingstuffs and silage cannot be determined analytically. Therefore the EURL cannot evaluate nor recommend any method for official control to determine Lignosulphonate in premixtures, feedingstuffs, silage 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) is not considered necessary.

Recommended Method

as of:

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/749

For the determination of lignosulphonate in the feed additive:

• indirect determination by total ash and reducing sugars from JECFA monograph (40-65 – new specification for calcium lingo sulfonate)