High Risk Ingredient

Ethoxyquin

Score impact: −25 pts per affected product

Synthetic antioxidant originally developed as a pesticide. Suspected liver and kidney damage; restricted for pet food in the EU.

Score Rationale

High deduction reflects regulatory restriction and unresolved toxicological profile. EFSA concluded existing data are insufficient to establish a safe level for cats. Originally registered as a herbicide — its presence in animal feed is tolerated only at low levels pending full re-evaluation.

Scientific Evidence

Emerging evidence

· EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (2015). Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of ethoxyquin for all animal species. EFSA Journal 13(11):4272.
· Dzanis DA (1991). Safety of ethoxyquin in dog and cat foods. Journal of Nutrition 121(11 Suppl):S163–S164.

Affected Products (0 of 60)

None of the 60 reviewed products have been identified with this risk factor. It is included because it appears in commercial cat food and is worth checking when reading labels.