Citronella authorized in EU feed 2026: what manufacturers and farmers must do

Key data

Feed manufacturers using or wanting to incorporate citronella essential oil have had, since September 21, 2026, a clear regulatory framework: the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2128 formally authorizes this ingredient as an additive in feed for all animal species. The regulation is not a recommendation: it is a binding authorization with technical conditions of use that must be met to operate legally in the European market.

The authorization comes after the safety assessment conducted by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which has verified that the additive is safe for animals, consumers and the environment. This opens the door to its commercial use, but also establishes concrete obligations for the sector.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation governs the use of essential oil obtained from the plant Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle —the botanical species from which citronella is extracted— as an additive in the manufacture of feed intended for any animal species.

The key points established by the regulation are:

• Formal authorization: citronella essential oil is enabled as a zootechnical or sensory category additive in feed.
• Conditions of use: manufacturers must respect the maximum doses and technical parameters set in the regulation itself for each type of use (zootechnical or sensory).
• Labeling obligation: operators must adapt the labeling of their products to reflect the presence and conditions of use of the additive in accordance with the technical requirements established.
• Prior EFSA assessment: the safety of the additive has been validated for animals, consumers and the environment, providing scientific support for the authorization.
• Verification for previous users: companies that were already incorporating this essential oil in their formulations must verify that their current practices comply with the new regulatory parameters.

Economic and operational impact

For the feed manufacturing sector, this regulation has a dual reading: opportunity and obligation.

On one hand, it legally opens the European market to the use of a natural additive with sensory and zootechnical properties that previously lacked formal regulatory support. This can translate into new product lines or differentiation of ranges with natural ingredients, a growing trend in the animal feed market.

On the other hand, it generates direct operating costs for any company in the sector:

• Product review and reformulation: manufacturers already using citronella must audit their current formulations against the doses and conditions of the regulation.
• Labeling update: all products containing this additive must adapt their labeling to the technical requirements set, which involves redesign, validation and reprinting costs.
• Documentation and traceability: operators must be able to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of use in the event of an inspection.
• Risk of market withdrawal: non-compliance with the conditions of use may result in sanctions or withdrawal of affected products, with consequent economic and reputational impact.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers that incorporate or want to incorporate citronella essential oil in their formulations for any animal species.
• Farmers who prepare their own feed or on-farm mixes and use this ingredient.
• Animal feed sector operators in the EU: distributors, importers of raw materials and additive formulators that market this essential oil for use in feed.
• Companies that already used citronella in their products before the publication of the regulation, which must now verify compliance with the new parameters.

Practical example

A poultry feed manufacturer that already included citronella essential oil in one of its ranges as a natural flavoring must, following the publication of Regulation (EU) 2026/2128, perform the following checks:

1. Verify that the dose used in its current formulation complies with the maximum limits set in the regulation for sensory or zootechnical use.
2. Review the product labeling to verify that the mention of the additive meets the technical requirements established.
3. Update the technical documentation of the product and the additive traceability sheet.
4. If the dose or form of declaration does not comply, reformulate or redesign the labeling before the adaptation period comes into force.

If it does not perform these checks and an inspector detects non-compliance, the product may be withdrawn from the market and the company may face administrative sanctions.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if they use citronella: review the catalog of additives and raw materials currently in use to determine if the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus is present in any formulation.
2. Consult the technical conditions of the regulation: access the full text of Regulation (EU) 2026/2128 to learn the maximum authorized doses and specific requirements according to the type of use (zootechnical or sensory).
3. Audit current formulations: compare current doses and conditions of use with those established in the regulation and detect possible deviations.
4. Update labeling: adapt the labels of all affected products to the technical requirements of the regulation, including the correct declaration of the additive.
5. Document compliance: prepare and file the technical documentation that demonstrates compliance with the conditions of use, available for any eventual inspection.
6. Train the technical team: ensure that those responsible for formulation and quality know the new requirements and apply them in the new product development processes.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: 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=CELEX:32026R2128