Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1756 |
|---|---|
| Publication | July 21, 2026 |
| Entry into force | August 9, 2026 |
| Authorized additive | L-valine produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366, in the form of inactivated fermentation product |
| Target species | All animal species |
| Affected parties | Compound feed manufacturers, livestock farmers and animal nutrition operators in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Year | 2026 |
Compound feed manufacturers and livestock sector operators have a new nutritional tool available in the EU. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1756, published on July 21, 2026, authorizes L-valine produced by inactivated bacterial fermentation as an additive in feed for all animal species. The regulation enters into force on August 9, 2026 and is directly applicable in all member states.
L-valine is an essential amino acid that the animal organism cannot synthesize on its own. Its incorporation in feed improves the nutritional profile of rations, optimizing growth and productive performance. Until now, its use as an additive was subject to the conditions of previous authorizations; this regulation expands the framework with a new strain and specific production process.
What does this regulation establish?
The regulation authorizes a specific additive with the following technical characteristics and conditions of use:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Active substance | L-valine (essential amino acid) |
| Producing microorganism | Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 |
| Obtaining process | Bacterial fermentation with subsequent inactivation of the product |
| Product form | Inactivated fermentation product |
| Target species | All animal species |
| Safety assessment | Carried out by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) |
| Conditions of use | Incorporation limits, labeling and storage conditions set out in the regulation |
The authorization implies that the additive has passed EFSA's safety assessment process, which has validated both the nutritional efficacy of the amino acid and the safety of the fermentation process with the Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 strain. The fact that the product is "inactivated" means that the producing microorganism is not alive in the final product, which eliminates risks of biological propagation.
Economic and operational impact
This authorization opens an opportunity for cost optimization and performance improvement for the compound feed industry. L-valine is a limiting amino acid in certain formulations, especially in low crude protein diets. Being able to legally incorporate it in its form produced by bacterial fermentation allows:
- Reduce raw material costs: diets with lower crude protein content, supplemented with synthetic or fermentation amino acids, are generally more economical than those based on conventional protein sources.
- Improve feed conversion ratio: a more balanced amino acid profile in the feed results in better feed utilization and greater weight gain per kilogram consumed.
- Expand the catalog of available additives: feed formulators gain technical flexibility by having a new authorized source of L-valine for all species.
The immediate operational impact falls on the technical and quality departments of feed manufacturers: they must update product technical sheets, review labeling systems and ensure that additive suppliers comply with the authorization conditions established in the regulation.
Who does it affect?
- Compound feed manufacturers: can incorporate the new additive in their formulations, but must comply with labeling requirements, usage limits and storage from August 9, 2026.
- Livestock farmers and farming operations: indirectly benefit from potentially more efficient and economical formulations; must verify that the feed they purchase complies with the new regulation if it contains this additive.
- Animal nutrition operators: distributors, importers and marketers of feed additives working with L-valine produced by this specific strain must demonstrate compliance with the regulation.
- Quality and regulatory departments: in feed manufacturing companies, responsible for updating technical documentation, safety sheets and traceability systems.
- Additive suppliers: producers and distributors of L-valine obtained by fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 who wish to market the product in the EU.
Practical example
A pig feed manufacturing company based in Spain wants to reformulate its range of fattening feed to reduce crude protein content and improve ration efficiency. Until now it used conventional sources of L-valine. As of August 9, 2026, it can incorporate into its formulation L-valine produced by Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 in the form of an inactivated fermentation product.
To do so legally, the technical department must: (1) verify that the additive supplier has documentation proving that the product corresponds exactly to the authorized strain and process; (2) update the technical sheets of the feed to reflect the new additive with the labeling required by the regulation; (3) review the storage conditions of the additive according to the specifications of the authorization; and (4) update batch traceability records. The same logic applies to feed intended for poultry, ruminants, aquaculture or any other species, since the authorization covers all animal species.
What should companies do now?
- Review the complete regulation: access the text of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1756 to learn about usage limits, labeling conditions and specific storage requirements for L-valine from this strain.
- Evaluate the reformulation opportunity: technical departments should analyze whether incorporating this additive can improve nutritional efficiency or reduce costs in current formulations.
- Verify the supply chain: if you decide to use the additive, confirm with suppliers that the product corresponds exactly to the Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 strain and the authorized inactivated fermentation process.
- Update labeling: before August 9, 2026, prepare the necessary labeling updates for feed incorporating this additive, in accordance with the regulation's conditions.
- Adapt traceability systems: register the new additive in quality control and batch traceability systems to ensure compliance in case of inspections.
- Inform livestock customers: if existing feed is reformulated by incorporating this additive, communicate it to end customers with updated technical and labeling information.
Frequently asked questions
When is it legal to use L-valine from Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 in feed?
The authorization enters into force on August 9, 2026, the date from which feed manufacturers can legally incorporate this additive in their formulations for all animal species, provided they comply with the conditions of use, labeling and storage established in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1756.
For which animal species is this L-valine authorized?
The authorization covers all animal species without exception. This includes pigs, poultry, ruminants, aquaculture and any other species for which compound feed is manufactured in the EU.
What is the difference between this L-valine and other already authorized L-valine sources?
This regulation specifically authorizes L-valine produced by the Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 strain through bacterial fermentation with subsequent inactivation of the product. Each additive authorization in the EU is specific to the producing strain and the obtaining process; it is not possible to use an authorization from one strain to market the product from a different strain.
What specific obligations do feed manufacturers using this additive have?
According to the regulation, manufacturers must respect the incorporation limits established, comply with the specific labeling requirements for this additive and maintain the storage conditions set out in the authorization. Additionally, they must ensure the traceability of the additive in their quality control systems.
Who assessed the safety of this additive before its authorization?
The safety assessment was carried out by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which validated both the nutritional efficacy of L-valine and the safety of the fermentation process with the Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80366 strain. The European Commission issued the authorization based on EFSA's favorable opinion.
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_202601756