Lavender additive in feed: what changes for manufacturers and farmers in 2026

Key data

Compound feed manufacturers and farmers using lavender sensory additives must act immediately: the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2120, published on 25 September 2026, changes the rules of the game for this ingredient across the entire value chain.

The change is significant. Until now, tincture obtained from the hybrid Lavandula angustifolia × L. latifolia was authorized. Now that authorization is withdrawn and replaced exclusively by the pure species Lavandula angustifolia Mill., following a positive evaluation by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). The botanical origin of the additive becomes a compliance requirement, not merely a technical specification.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation introduces two simultaneous and complementary changes:

The regulation predictably establishes transitional periods to exhaust existing stocks containing the hybrid variety, although the specific entry into force date has not been specified in the publication. Companies must monitor the publication of these deadlines to plan the transition.

The technical basis for the change is the EFSA evaluation, which has concluded that tincture of the pure species meets the safety and efficacy requirements as a sensory additive, while the hybrid variety does not maintain that authorization. The distinction between both species is therefore a matter of botanical traceability that directly affects supplier documentation and formulation records.

Economic and operational impact

The impact is not measured in a published fine figure, but in the operational cost of adaptation and the risk of non-compliance. The main cost vectors are:

• Product review and reformulation: Every feed manufacturer using lavender tincture must verify that the botanical origin of their additive is exclusively Lavandula angustifolia Mill. If the supplier was supplying the hybrid variety, the formulation must be updated.
• Supplier change or certification: Additive producers working with the hybrid variety must convert their production or lose customers in the feed sector. Feed manufacturers must require botanical documentation from their suppliers.
• Management of existing stocks: Stocks of feed formulated with the hybrid variety may be exhausted during the planned transitional period, but once that deadline expires, their commercialization will be irregular.
• Sanctioning risk: Non-compliance may result in animal food safety violations with sanctioning consequences, as established by the regulation itself.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers: Must review all formulations that include lavender tincture and verify the botanical origin of the additive.
• Producers and distributors of feed additives: Those producing or marketing hybrid lavender tincture must cease that activity or convert it to the authorized pure species.
• Farmers using feed with this additive: Although the direct impact falls on the manufacturing chain, farmers must ensure that the feed they purchase complies with the new regulation to avoid subsidiary responsibilities.
• Quality and regulatory compliance managers in animal nutrition companies.
• Procurement departments that manage contracts with additive suppliers.

Practical example

A poultry feed manufacturer that includes lavender tincture as a sensory additive in its product range receives feed from a supplier that until now has supplied tincture obtained from the hybrid Lavandula angustifolia × L. latifolia.

Following the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/2120, that additive is no longer authorized. The manufacturer must:

1. Request from the supplier the technical sheet and botanical certification of the additive to confirm whether it is the pure species or the hybrid.
2. If the supplier supplies the hybrid, immediately begin searching for an alternative supplier that certifies the exclusive use of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
3. Update the feed formulation documentation and traceability records to reflect the change in botanical origin.
4. Manage existing stock formulated with the hybrid within the planned transitional period, without exceeding the deadline.

If it does not act in time and commercializes feed with the withdrawn additive outside the transitional period, the manufacturer may face an animal food safety violation with corresponding sanctioning consequences.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current formulations: Identify all feed products that include lavender tincture and verify the botanical origin of the additive used (pure species vs. hybrid).
2. Request botanical documentation from suppliers: Require certificates or technical sheets that certify that the additive comes exclusively from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and not from the withdrawn hybrid.
3. Replace suppliers if necessary: If the current supplier supplies the hybrid variety, initiate the change or conversion process before the transitional period expires.
4. Update technical and traceability documentation: Modify formulation sheets, ingredient records and regulatory documentation of affected products.
5. Manage existing stocks within the transitional period: Plan the exhaustion or withdrawal of stocks formulated with the hybrid before the expiration of the planned transitional deadline.
6. Train the procurement and quality team: Ensure that those responsible for procurement and quality control are aware of the regulatory change and apply the new botanical verification criteria to each order.

Official source

Consult complete 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=OJ:L_202602120