Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1036 of May 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Publication | May 8, 2026 |
| Entry into force | May 7, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Feed manufacturers, poultry producers and holders of additive authorizations in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Authorization holder | Evonik Operations GmbH |
| Authorized additive | Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 |
| New authorized category | Poultry for laying |
| Modified regulations | Regulation (EU) 2020/1395 and Regulation (EU) 2021/2050 |
Feed manufacturers for poultry and egg producers have a new compliance obligation from May 7, 2026. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1036 formally authorizes the use of the preparation of Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 as a zootechnical additive in feed intended for poultry for laying, thus expanding the spectrum of use of this probiotic microorganism.
The exclusive holder of this authorization is Evonik Operations GmbH. This is not a minor detail: any operator wishing to incorporate this preparation into their formulations must verify that they have legal access to its use before proceeding.
At the same time, the regulation modifies two previous rules that already regulated the use of this same preparation in other poultry categories, which means that the impact is not limited to those working with laying hens.
What does this regulation establish?
The regulation has three simultaneous normative effects that should be clearly distinguished:
| Normative action | Detail |
|---|---|
| New authorization | Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 as a zootechnical additive in feed for poultry for laying |
| Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2020/1395 | Update of the authorization terms of the same preparation for broilers and chickens raised for laying |
| Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2021/2050 | Update of the authorization terms for broiler turkeys, turkeys raised for breeding, minor poultry species for fattening and raised for breeding, and ornamental birds (except for breeding) |
The preparation of Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 is a probiotic microorganism that acts as a zootechnical additive, that is, with the function of improving the productive performance of animals. Its use was already authorized for broilers and turkeys; it is now extended to laying hens, which represent a key segment of European poultry production.
The ownership of the authorization in the hands of Evonik Operations GmbH implies that access to the use of this preparation by third-party feed manufacturers is conditioned on the commercial agreements or licenses that may exist with that company.
Economic and operational impact
The impact of this regulation does not translate into a direct fee or cost, but into operational adaptation costs that feed manufacturers and poultry producers must anticipate:
- Review and update of formulations: Companies that want to incorporate this additive in feed for laying hens must adapt their formulas in accordance with the conditions established in the regulation.
- Update of labels: Changes in the authorization conditions for broilers, turkeys and other species (due to the amendment of Regulations 2020/1395 and 2021/2050) may require reviewing labels already in use.
- Verification of legal access to the preparation: Since Evonik Operations GmbH is the sole holder, operators not working directly with this company must confirm whether they have the right to use the preparation before including it in their feed.
- Market opportunity: For egg producers seeking to optimize feed efficiency, the availability of this probiotic additive in the legal market opens a path to improve the productive performance of their birds.
The fact that the regulation simultaneously amends two previous rules (2020/1395 and 2021/2050) means that companies already using this additive for other poultry categories must also review whether the new conditions affect their current operations.
Who does it affect?
- Manufacturers of compound feed for poultry that produce or want to produce feed for laying hens with zootechnical additives.
- Poultry producers in the laying sector (eggs) that use or evaluate the use of probiotics in their farms.
- Feed manufacturers for broilers that already used the preparation under Regulation 2020/1395, given that its authorization conditions have been modified.
- Feed manufacturers for turkeys and minor species that operated under Regulation 2021/2050, equally modified.
- Holders and applicants for additive authorizations in the EU who must be aware of the updated framework for this preparation.
- Quality, regulatory and procurement departments of companies in the sector that manage regulatory compliance of formulations.
Practical example
A feed manufacturer that already produced compound feed for broilers incorporating the preparation of Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 under Regulation (EU) 2020/1395 must do the following:
- Review the new authorization terms for broilers, as Regulation 2026/1036 amends that previous regulation.
- If the same company also manufactures feed for laying hens, it now has legal basis to incorporate this additive in that product line, provided it verifies legal access to the preparation with Evonik Operations GmbH.
- Update the labeling of the affected feed to reflect the updated authorization conditions.
This scenario is common in feed manufacturing companies with multiple product lines: a single regulation requires them to review several product lines simultaneously.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if you use the preparation Bacillus velezensis CECT 5940 in any of your current feed lines (broilers, turkeys, minor species or ornamental birds) and verify whether the amendments to Regulations 2020/1395 and 2021/2050 affect your current conditions of use.
- Verify legal access to the preparation with Evonik Operations GmbH if you want to incorporate it in feed for laying hens or if you have doubts about the validity of your current agreements.
- Review and update the formulations of feed for laying hens if you wish to incorporate this additive, ensuring that they comply with the conditions established in the new regulation.
- Update the labeling of all feed affected by the regulatory amendments, both for the new laying hen category and for already authorized categories whose terms have changed.
- Document compliance in internal quality and regulatory records, leaving evidence of the review carried out and the actions taken.