Feed additives 2026: what changes with the correction of peppermint, thyme and sage tinctures

Key data

Feed manufacturers and distributors of additives for animal feed in the EU have a specific task ahead: review the corrected terms of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1822 and update their technical documentation and labeling. The European Commission published on 25 September 2026 a correction to said regulation, which had authorized the use of three plant-based tinctures as additives for feeding all animal species.

The original standard was published on 27 July 2026. The corrections are technical in nature and seek to remedy errors or omissions in that text. Although they do not alter the authorization itself, the corrected data is what has legal validity: any technical sheet, labeling or commercial documentation based on the original version may become outdated.

What does this regulation establish?

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1822 authorized three plant-based tinctures as additives for feeding all animal species. The correction published on 25 September 2026 corrects technical errors or omissions detected in the original text. Below are the three authorized additives:

The correction does not introduce new authorizations or modify the scope of permitted uses: its purpose is to correct the text so that it accurately reflects the correct technical terms. However, from a regulatory compliance perspective, the corrected version is what prevails over the original.

This authorization is part of the European trend of incorporating natural and plant-based alternatives in animal nutrition, reducing dependence on synthetic additives.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact of this correction is not economic in terms of new fees or regulatory costs, but rather operational and compliance-related. Companies that already market feed incorporating any of these three tinctures must assess whether their current documents reflect the corrected terms or if they are still based on the original version of 27 July 2026.

The costs resulting from non-compliance can be indirect but relevant:

• Withdrawal or blocking of product batches if labeling does not conform to the corrected terms.
• Need to reformulate technical sheets and product registration documentation.
• Possible issues in inspections by competent national authorities if documentation is not updated.
• Reputational risk with livestock customers or distributors who require documentation compliant with current regulations.

For companies that had not yet incorporated these tinctures into their catalog, the correction does not entail any immediate operational change, but it is the time to plan incorporation with the correct data from the start.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers that already incorporate or plan to incorporate peppermint, thyme or sage tinctures in their formulations.
• Distributors of additives for animal feed that market these three products in the EU market.
• Livestock producers that manufacture their own feed or mixtures with these authorized additives.
• Quality and regulatory departments of companies in the sector, responsible for keeping technical sheets and labeling updated.
• Importers and exporters of feed or additives within the European single market that must demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Practical example

A poultry feed manufacturer that in August 2026 registered a new product with thyme tincture (Thymus serpyllum L.) as an additive, prepared its technical sheet and labeling by reference to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1822 in its original version of 27 July 2026.

Following the publication of the correction on 25 September 2026, the quality department must:

1. Compare the original text with the corrected version to identify exactly what technical data has changed.
2. Update the product technical sheet with the corrected terms.
3. Review whether the labeling in production or already printed must be modified before commercialization.
4. Document the change in the product registration file to demonstrate compliance in case of possible inspections.

This process, although it does not involve a direct regulatory cost, can entail hours of technical work and, in the worst case, the need to reprint labeling or retain batches pending verification.

What should companies do now?

1. Access the official correction published on 25 September 2026 in the EU Official Journal and compare the text with the original version of Regulation (EU) 2026/1822 of 27 July 2026.
2. Identify what technical data has been corrected: denominations, specifications, conditions of use or other parameters that appear in the company's internal documentation.
3. Update the technical sheets of products incorporating peppermint, thyme or sage tincture, reflecting the corrected terms.
4. Review the labeling of batches in production or pending commercialization to verify their compliance with the corrected version.
5. Communicate the changes internally to production, quality, sales and logistics teams to prevent the use of outdated documentation.
6. Archive compliance documentation that demonstrates that the company has reviewed and adapted its processes to the correction, in case of possible inspections by competent authorities.

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=OJ:L_202690809