On December 18, 2018, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) announced that, at the request of the European Commission, the European unio Research Group on Animal Feed Additives and Products (FEEDAP) had made scientific comments on the safety and effectiveness of riboflavin 5-phosphate ester monosodium salt as an additive to all animal drinking water.

It is known that this additive is riboflavin produced by Ashbya gossypii. Due to the lack of sufficient information, it is impossible for the expert group to assess the safety of the producing strains and to draw conclusions on the safety of the target species, consumers, users and environment of riboflavin 5-phosphate ester monosodium salt.

Some of the original reports are as follows:

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 vitamin B2 in the form of riboflavin 5′‐phosphate ester monosodium salt as an additive for all animal species for use in water for drinking. The additive under assessment is obtained from ■■■■■ a source of riboflavin produced by Ashbya gossypii. No information was provided on the identity and characterisation of the production strain, and on whether or not it is a genetically modified microorganism. Therefore, in the absence of adequate information, it is not possible to perform an assessment of the safety of the production strain. Riboflavin 5′‐phosphate ester monosodium salt per se is considered safe for the target animals, consumers and the environment. In the absence of data regarding the identity and characterisation of the production strain, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the target species, consumers, users and the environment of the riboflavin 5′‐phosphate ester monosodium salt under assessment. Similarly, in the absence of data, no conclusion can be reached on the safety of the product for the users. Riboflavin 5′‐phosphate ester monosodium salt is regarded as effective in covering the animals requirement when administered via water for drinking.