Safety and efficacy of l‐tryptophan produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.248 for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on l-tryptophan produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of <i>Escherichia coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 when used as a nutritional additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The production strain <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the final product. The product l-tryptophan, manufactured by fermentation with <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248, does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the genetic modification of the production strain. l-Tryptophan produced by <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 is safe for non-ruminant target species. The use of unprotected l-tryptophan in ruminant feed should be avoided. l-Tryptophan produced by fermentation by <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 is safe for the consumer. The level of endotoxins present in the product and its dusting potential indicate an inhalation risk for the user. l-Tryptophan produced by <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 is not a skin or eye irritant but it is a dermal sensitiser. The use of l-tryptophan produced by <i>E. coli</i> CGMCC 7.248 in animal nutrition does not pose a risk to the environment. The product under assessment is regarded as an effective source of the amino acid l-tryptophan for all non-ruminant species. For the supplemental l-tryptophan to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it requires protection against degradation in the rumen.