Benzoic acid in pig feed: what changes with EU Regulation 2026/1832

Key data

Feed manufacturers and pig farms that use benzoic acid in their formulations have an immediate obligation: to verify that their products comply with the new conditions established by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1832, published on 29 July 2026. This regulation renews the authorization of benzoic acid as an additive for feed intended for the pig sector and, at the same time, repeals four previous regulations that regulated this matter in a fragmented manner.

The consolidation of regulations in a single text simplifies the regulatory framework, but also requires all affected operators to update their legal references and verify that their practices remain compliant.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/1832 renews the authorization of benzoic acid as an additive in feed for the following categories of pig animals:

• Weaned piglets
• Fattening pigs
• Sows
• Minor pig species intended for fattening
• Sows and boars of minor pig species

The renewal confirms that benzoic acid continues to meet the safety and efficacy requirements required by European feed additive regulations. The authorization holder is DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, represented in the procedure by DSM Nutritional Products Sp. z.o.o.

One of the most relevant effects of this regulation is the express repeal of four previous regulations, which are entirely replaced by this new text:

This consolidation means that any internal reference to the previous regulations in technical sheets, quality procedures or product documentation must be updated to cite the new Regulation (EU) 2026/1832.

Economic and operational impact

From an economic perspective, the renewal of the authorization does not interrupt the use of benzoic acid in current formulations, which avoids urgent reformulation costs for those already using it under the repealed regulations. However, the operational impact is real:

• Document review: All technical and quality documentation citing the repealed regulations must be updated. This includes product sheets, formulation records and internal procedures.
• Verification of conditions of use: The updated conditions of use may differ in technical details from the previous regulations. Failing to verify this is a compliance risk.
• Holder obligations: DSM Nutritional Products Ltd maintains its obligations for monitoring and notification to the competent authorities, which may generate information requests to its feed manufacturer customers.

The cost of not acting is greater than the cost of reviewing: an inspection that detects formulations based on already repealed regulations may result in correction requirements, batch withdrawal or administrative sanctions.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers that include benzoic acid in their formulations for any of the five authorized pig categories.
• Pig farms that use feed with benzoic acid for weaned piglets, fattening pigs, sows, minor pig species for fattening or breeding animals of minor pig species.
• DSM Nutritional Products Ltd as the authorization holder, with direct obligations for monitoring and notification to competent authorities.
• Quality and regulatory managers in sector companies that manage compliance with feed additive regulations.
• Distributors and marketers of feed additives that must update the technical documentation of their products.

Practical example

A compound feed manufacturer for weaned piglets that has been using benzoic acid in its formulations for years, under the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/900, must act immediately. That regulation is repealed by the new (EU) 2026/1832.

The specific process this manufacturer must follow:

1. Identify all products in its catalog that contain benzoic acid intended for pigs.
2. Compare the conditions of use established in the new Regulation (EU) 2026/1832 with those it applied under the repealed regulations.
3. Update the technical sheets and product documentation to cite the new regulation as the legal basis.
4. Communicate the change to its customers (farms) if the update affects instructions for use or dosage.

If a competent authority inspection detects that the manufacturer is still citing Regulation (EU) 2016/900 as the legal basis for its authorization, it exposes itself to a request for documentary correction and, potentially, to temporary suspension of product commercialization until the situation is remedied.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if you use benzoic acid in pig feed: Review your product catalog and formulations to determine if any contain this additive intended for the five authorized pig categories.
2. Update regulatory references: Replace in all your technical documentation, product sheets and internal records the citations to Regulations (EU) 2016/900, 2018/983, 2018/1550 and 2020/1031 with the new Regulation (EU) 2026/1832.
3. Verify updated conditions of use: Compare the conditions of the new regulation with those you applied. Any difference in dosage, animal categories or restrictions must be reflected in your formulations.
4. Review communications with DSM Nutritional Products: If you receive information requests or follow-up from the authorization holder, respond within the indicated timeframes.
5. Inform your livestock customers: If changes in conditions of use affect instructions for use or dosage, communicate this to the farms that use your feed.
6. Consult a specialist advisor in feed regulations if you have doubts about the application of the new conditions to your specific formulations.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601832