Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dried extract from the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng dry extract) for use in cats and dogs (C.I.A.M.)

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a dried extract prepared from the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng dry extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for cats and dogs. P. ginseng dry extract is specified to contain at least 27–30% total ginsenosides (as ginsenosides RG1). Since uncertainty remains concerning the nature of up to 73% of the extract, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to conclude on the safety of the additive at the proposed use levels of up to 20 mg/kg complete feed for cats and dogs. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the safety for the user. Since ginseng and its extracts are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.