New microbial additive in EU feed 2026: what manufacturers and livestock farmers must do

Key data

Feed manufacturers and livestock producers have a new legal tool available from May 7, 2026: the microbial preparation Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 is formally authorized as a zootechnical additive in feed for all animal species in the European Union.

The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1037 regulates this authorization. As an implementing regulation, it does not require national transposition: it enters into force directly in Spain and other Member States from its publication.

The opportunity is real for the animal nutrition sector. But the authorization comes with specific obligations regarding labeling, concentration and documentation that companies must address immediately.

What does this regulation establish?

Implementing Regulation 2026/1037 formalizes the authorization of the Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 preparation as a zootechnical category additive in feed intended for all animal species in the EU.

The key elements established by the regulation are:

• Authorization of use: Feed manufacturers can legally incorporate this microorganism in their feed formulations.
• Conditions of use: Use must respect the authorized conditions and concentration limits established in the regulation itself.
• Mandatory labeling: Manufacturers must ensure correct labeling of products incorporating this additive.
• Documentary update: Companies in the animal nutrition sector must update their product records and technical sheets to include this new additive.
• Universal application in the EU: The regulation is directly applicable in all Member States without the need for national transposition.

From a technical perspective, Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 is a microorganism whose function in feed is to improve digestive efficiency and animal performance, in both livestock and poultry production.

Economic and operational impact

This authorization has a dual reading for companies in the sector: commercial opportunity and compliance obligation.

In terms of opportunity, feed manufacturers can now differentiate their formulations by incorporating a microbial additive with European regulatory backing. Livestock and poultry producers using feed with this additive may benefit from improvements in digestive efficiency and animal performance, which can translate into lower feeding costs per kilogram of production.

On the operational side, the obligations are immediate:

• Review and update of technical sheets for all products that incorporate or will incorporate the additive.
• Adaptation of labeling to comply with the conditions of use established in the regulation.
• Verification of concentrations to ensure that authorized limits are not exceeded in any formulation.
• Update of product records with the competent authorities if national procedures require it.

Non-compliance with the conditions of use established in the regulation may result in audit issues, product recalls or sanctions by feed control authorities.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers: Must update formulations, technical sheets and labeling if they incorporate the additive. They must also ensure compliance with authorized concentration limits.
• Livestock producers: Can benefit from the use of feed with Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 to improve digestive efficiency and animal performance.
• Poultry producers: The authorization covers all animal species, including poultry.
• Animal nutrition companies: Must review their product catalog and update records to include this new authorized additive.
• Feed additive distributors: Must ensure that the products they market comply with the labeling and use conditions established in the regulation.

Practical example

A swine feed manufacturer wishing to incorporate the Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 preparation into one of its product lines must follow this process from May 7, 2026:

1. Verify that the concentration of the preparation in the formulation respects the limits authorized by Regulation 2026/1037.
2. Update the product technical sheet to reflect the presence of the additive and its identification code (NCIMB 10415).
3. Review and adapt the feed labeling to include the mention of the additive in accordance with the established conditions of use.
4. Update the product record in its internal systems and, if applicable, with the competent feed control authority.

The same process applies to manufacturers of feed for poultry, ruminants or any other species, given that the authorization covers all animal species without exception.

What should companies do now?

1. Review current formulations: Identify if any product already contains or is planned to contain Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 10415 and verify that the concentration complies with authorized limits.
2. Update technical sheets: Incorporate the reference to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1037 and the additive data (name, NCIMB 10415 code, zootechnical function) in all technical documentation of affected products.
3. Adapt labeling: Ensure that the labeling of feed incorporating this additive complies with the conditions of use established in the regulation before marketing them.
4. Update product records: Review whether national feed control procedures require communication or record updates with the competent authority.
5. Inform the commercial and technical team: Communicate internally the availability of this new authorized additive so that the sales and product development team can incorporate it into their planning.