POLICY ON THE BAN ON THE USE OF ETHOXYQUIN AS AN ANTIOXIDANT IN FEED OF FOOD-PRODUCING ANIMALS
INTRODUCTION
Different processes may occur during the storage of animal feed which alter their initial natural proprieties. Lipids, for example, undergo peroxidation. the process during which they deteriorate in a free radical autocatalytic oxidation chain reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
Ethoxyquin (EQ, 6-ethoxy- I, 241ihydro-2. 2. 4-trimethylquinoline) is widely used in animal feed in order to protect it against lipid peroxidation. It cannot be used in any food for human consumption, but it can pass from feed to farmed fish, poultry, and eggs, so human beings can be exposed to this antioxidant.
DIRECTIVE
Lipid autooxidation is a cascade phenomenon ensuring continuous delivery of free radicals, which initiate continuous peroxidation. This results in food rancidity which manifests itself as the change of taste, scent, and color and a decrease A the shelf life of the product.
Antioxidants (Natural or synthetic) He usually used to slow down or stop lipid peroxidation and in consequence to preserve the freshness of the product.
The third compound, EQ. is one of the best-known feed antioxidants for domestic animals and fish. Its unquestionable advantage is its high antioxidant capacity and low production costs. However, some of the authors have suggested that it is responsible for a wide range of health-related problems in dogs as well as in humans e.g. Cancer.
In view of the foregoing, therefore, the use of ethoxyquin as an antioxidant in feed of food-producing animals is banned in animal feed.
Prof. Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, FAS Director General, NAFDAC