Eugenol and trans-anethole authorized in poultry feed: what changes in 2026

Key data

Feed manufacturers for poultry and ornamental birds in the European Union have had two new tools in their catalogue of authorized additives since 24 July 2026: eugenol and trans-anethole. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1811 formalizes this authorization and, at the same time, renews the authorization of trans-anethole produced by chemical synthesis specifically for ornamental birds.

This regulation amends Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1452, updating the current regulatory framework for feed additives. For industry operators, the change opens new formulation possibilities, but also entails concrete compliance obligations regarding dosages, conditions of use and labelling.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/1811 introduces two types of differentiated actions:

Both substances act as flavourings and can improve feed palatability and animal performance. Their use in poultry feed was previously more limited; this regulation explicitly expands the catalogue available to formulators.

The regulation also updates Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1452, which was the previous reference framework for these additives. Manufacturers who were already working with trans-anethole in ornamental birds must verify that their authorization is renewed under the new conditions established in the 2026 regulation.

Economic and operational impact

For the animal nutrition sector, this authorization represents mainly a reformulation opportunity and a documentary adaptation obligation. The most relevant operational impacts are:

• New formulation options: Manufacturers can incorporate eugenol and trans-anethole in poultry feed, expanding the margin for product differentiation and potentially improving conversion rates and palatability.
• Labelling review: Any feed incorporating these substances must reflect their use in the labelling in accordance with the conditions established in the regulation.
• Update of technical sheets and records: Product files must be updated to reflect the new legal basis (Regulation 2026/1811 instead of, or alongside, 2022/1452).
• Renewal for ornamental birds: Operators who were already using trans-anethole from chemical synthesis in feed for ornamental birds must verify that their authorization is covered by the renewal and that they comply with the new conditions of use.

The cost of adaptation will depend on the volume of affected product references and the degree of documentary updating required, but in principle does not involve investments in new facilities or major changes to the production process.

Who does it affect?

• Poultry feed manufacturers (broilers, laying hens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) who wish to incorporate eugenol or trans-anethole in their formulations.
• Ornamental bird feed manufacturers (canaries, parrots, budgerigars and other species not intended for food production) who use or wish to use trans-anethole, including that from chemical synthesis.
• Poultry farmers who purchase feed formulated with these additives and must know their composition to comply with their own traceability and animal welfare obligations.
• Ornamental bird breeders who use commercial feed and need to verify the compliance of the products they purchase.
• Quality and regulatory managers in animal nutrition companies who must update technical documentation and product records.
• Feed distributors and marketers who must ensure that the products in their catalogue comply with the new regulatory framework.

Practical example

A feed manufacturer based in Spain that produces a range of foods for broilers wants to improve the palatability of its flagship product. Until the entry into force of Regulation 2026/1811, eugenol was not specifically authorized for poultry in this context. From 24 July 2026, it can be legally incorporated into its formulation, provided it respects the conditions of use, maximum dosages and labelling requirements established in the regulation.

To do so, the regulatory team will need to: (1) review the technical conditions of the regulation for eugenol in poultry, (2) update the product technical sheet and labelling, and (3) document the formulation change in the feed registration file. No new product authorization from scratch is required, as the substance already has authorization at EU level.

In parallel, if that same manufacturer was producing feed for ornamental birds with trans-anethole from chemical synthesis under Regulation 2022/1452, it must verify that the renewal of authorization under Regulation 2026/1811 covers its specific case and update the regulatory reference in its documentation.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the catalogue of affected products: Identify which poultry or ornamental bird feed references could incorporate eugenol or trans-anethole, or already contain them under previous authorizations.
2. Verify the conditions of use of the regulation: Consult the full text of Regulation 2026/1811 to learn about the authorized dosages, conditions of use and restrictions applicable to each substance and species.
3. Update labelling: Any feed incorporating these substances must reflect their presence and comply with the labelling requirements established in the regulation.
4. Update technical sheets and product files: Replace or supplement references to Regulation 2022/1452 with the new legal basis of Regulation 2026/1811 in all technical documentation.
5. Communicate with suppliers and customers: Inform raw material suppliers and poultry farmer customers about changes in formulation or the legal basis of affected products.
6. Train the quality and regulatory team: Ensure that personnel responsible for compliance understand the scope of the new authorization and associated compliance requirements.

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_202601811