Clinoptilolite of volcanic origin

In the current application an authorisation is sought under Article 4(1) for Clinoptilolite of volcanic origin under the category 1 “technological additives”, functional groups (g) ”binder” and (i) ”anticaking agents”, according to the classification system of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Specifically, the authorisation is sought for the use of the feed additive for all terrestrial animal species.
According to the Applicant, the feed additive is a calcium hydrated aluminosilicate of volcanic origin (Zeolite) composed of minimum 85 % (w/w) of clinoptilolite and of maximum 15 % (w/w) of feldspars, micas and clays. The feed additive is intended to be used in premixtures and compound feed. The Applicant proposed a minimum recommended inclusion level of the feed additive of 20 g / kg compound feed.
For the determination of the mineralogical composition of the feed additive the Applicant proposed to apply powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometry. The procedure is described in EN 13925 standard method. Furthermore, the feed additive was characterised by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry proposed by the Applicant, which is described in EN ISO 12677 standard method.
Based on the experimental evidence available, the EURL recommends for official control of the feed additive the crystallographic characterisation by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometry (EN 13925) together with the elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry (EN ISO 12677).
The Applicant provided no analytical method or experimental data for the determination of clinoptilolite of volcanic origin in premixtures and compound feed, as the unambiguous determination of the feed additive added to the matrices is not achievable experimentally. Therefore, the EURL cannot evaluate nor recommend any method for official control for the determination of clinoptilolite of volcanic origin in premixtures and compound feed.
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.