Safety and efficacy of Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 32291 as a silage additive for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a strain of <i>Pediococcus pentosaceus</i> when used as a technological additive intended to improve ensiling at a proposed application rate of 5 × 10⁷ CFU kg/fresh matter. The species <i>P</i>. <i>pentosaceus</i> is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment and not to require specific demonstration of safety other than the absence of resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary significance. As the identity of the strain was clearly established and as no antibiotic resistance was detected, the use of the strain in the production of silage is presumed safe for livestock species, consumers of products from animals fed treated silage and the environment. In the absence of data, no conclusion can be drawn on the skin and eye irritancy of the additive. The additive should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. <i>Pediococcus pentosaceus</i> DSM 32291 at a minimum dose of 5 × 10⁷ CFU/kg has the potential to improve the production of silage from easy and moderately difficult to ensile materials by decreasing dry matter loss and protein degradation during ensiling.