Clinoptilolite in feed 2026: what feed manufacturers and poultry and pig farmers must do

Key data

Compound feed manufacturers and operators of poultry and pig farms in the European Union have a new compliance obligation to address. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2091, published on 21 September 2026, authorizes clinoptilolite of volcanic origin as a feed additive in five specific animal categories. The authorization is not optional: it means that any operator wishing to use this additive must do so strictly within the conditions set by the regulation, and those who were already incorporating it in their formulations must verify their immediate compliance.

Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite with proven capacity to act as a mycotoxin contamination control agent and to improve the digestive efficiency of animals. Its use in compound feeds can result in improvements in productive performance and reduction of health risks arising from the presence of mycotoxins in raw materials.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation formalizes the authorization of clinoptilolite of volcanic origin as a feed additive in the following animal categories:

For each of these categories, the regulation establishes specific conditions of use, maximum permitted doses and labeling requirements that feed manufacturers must respect. The standard acts as a legal enablement: without this authorization, the use of the additive would not be compliant with the European regulatory framework for feed additives.

From a technical perspective, volcanic clinoptilolite acts primarily as an adsorbent of mycotoxins in the digestive tract of animals, reducing their bioavailability and therefore their negative impact on animal health and production. Additionally, it contributes to improving digestive efficiency, which can have a positive impact on feed conversion ratios.

Economic and operational impact

The authorization of this additive has a dual reading for industry operators:

• Productive opportunity: The authorized use of clinoptilolite can reduce economic losses associated with mycotoxin contamination in raw materials (cereals, meals), a recurring and costly problem in the feed industry. Improved digestive efficiency can result in a reduction in feed conversion ratio, with direct impact on the cost of production per kilogram of meat or egg.
• Adaptation obligation: Feed manufacturers that were already incorporating clinoptilolite in their formulations—or wish to do so—must verify that their processes, technical documentation and labeling comply exactly with the conditions of use and maximum doses set in the regulation. Non-compliance with the conditions of authorization of an additive may result in product withdrawal from the market and administrative sanctions according to applicable national regulations.

The operational impact is concentrated in the technical and quality department of feed manufacturers: review of product technical sheets, updating of labels and verification of records of additive use in each authorized animal category.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers that produce or wish to produce feed for broiler poultry, laying or breeding poultry, ornamental birds, piglets or fattening pigs.
• Poultry farms (fattening, laying, breeding and ornamental) that produce their own feed or supervise their suppliers' formulations.
• Pig farms with production of piglets and fattening pigs that use or consider incorporating this additive.
• Technical advisors and veterinarians of livestock farms that formulate or supervise the feed used.
• Importers and distributors of feed additives that market volcanic clinoptilolite in the European market.

Practical example

A compound feed manufacturing company that supplies broiler poultry farms in Spain decides to incorporate volcanic clinoptilolite in its formulation to reduce the risk of mycotoxins from corn in the ration. Thanks to Regulation (EU) 2026/2091, this company can do so in a legally compliant manner, provided that:

1. It uses clinoptilolite of volcanic origin (as specified by the standard, not any zeolite).
2. It respects the maximum doses established in the regulation for the category "broiler poultry".
3. It updates the labeling of the feed to reflect the presence of the additive with the name and conditions required by the standard.
4. It has the technical documentation that proves compliance with the conditions of use in the event of an inspection.

If this same company also manufactures feed for piglets, it must verify that the conditions of use applied to that category are those specific to the regulation for piglets, as doses and conditions may differ between animal categories.

What should companies do now?

1. Review current formulations: If volcanic clinoptilolite is already used in feed for any of the five authorized categories, verify that the doses and conditions of use are compliant with those established in Regulation (EU) 2026/2091.
2. Update labeling: Adapt the labels of affected feed to comply with the specific labeling requirements established by the regulation for this additive.
3. Update technical documentation: Review and update product technical sheets, additive use records and any documentation that proves compliance before the competent authorities.
4. Verify the origin of the additive: Ensure that the clinoptilolite supplier certifies that the product is of volcanic origin, as required by the standard, and not another variety of zeolite.
5. Inform livestock customers: Communicate to poultry and pig farms that are customers the changes in formulation and the advantages of the authorized use of the additive, especially regarding mycotoxin control.
6. Consult with the technical-legal team: If there are doubts about the interpretation of the conditions of use or the maximum doses for each animal category, consult with the technical manager or with a specialized advisor before marketing the feed.

Official source

Consult full regulation at 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:32026R2091