New conditions for marigold extracts in poultry feed: what changes in 2026

Key data

Feed and additive manufacturers using Tagetes erecta (marigold) extracts in their poultry formulations have a new regulatory review obligation. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1712, published on 21 July 2026, updates and corrects the authorization terms for these extracts, modifying two previous regulations that governed their use. This is not a prohibition or a new authorization from scratch: these are technical-regulatory changes to existing conditions that require verification of compliance with the new parameters.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 introduces modifications and corrections to two previous implementing regulations that governed the use of marigold extracts as feed additives:

The changes are of a technical-regulatory nature: they affect the parameters and conditions under which these extracts are authorized, not the authorization itself. This means that companies already using these additives under the previous regulations must verify that their formulations, labeling and current authorizations remain compliant with the new terms established.

The affected extracts are the following plant-derived carotenoid pigments obtained from the marigold flower (Tagetes erecta):

• Extracts rich in lutein from Tagetes erecta
• Extracts based on lutein/zeaxanthin from Tagetes erecta

The animal species for which the use of these additives is regulated are:

• Broiler chickens (except turkeys, which are regulated separately)
• Laying hens (except turkeys)
• Minor poultry species for fattening and laying
• Turkeys for fattening (regulated through the modification of Regulation 2025/1928)

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact of this regulation is not of an immediate economic nature in the form of new fees or fixed costs, but rather operational and compliance-related. Affected companies must assume the costs associated with reviewing and, where necessary, adapting their processes:

• Formulation review: Verify that the levels of use of Tagetes erecta extracts in feeds comply with the new authorized parameters.
• Labeling updates: Changes in authorization terms may require modifications to the labeling of additives and compound feeds containing them.
• Review of current authorizations: Companies must verify that their marketing authorizations remain valid under the new terms.
• Direct application throughout the EU: As a European implementing regulation, it does not require national transposition. It enters into force simultaneously in all Member States, which also affects cross-border operations of manufacturers and distributors.

The risk of not acting is the marketing of feeds or additives outside the authorized terms, which may result in problems during inspections, product recalls or loss of marketing authorization.

Who does it affect?

• Feed additive manufacturers that produce or market Tagetes erecta extracts (lutein, lutein/zeaxanthin) in the EU.
• Compound feed manufacturers that incorporate these extracts in their formulations for broiler chickens, laying hens or turkeys.
• Poultry producers that manufacture their own feeds or must verify the compliance of feeds they purchase.
• Quality and regulatory managers in animal feed companies.
• Importers and distributors of additives or feeds containing these extracts that operate in EU markets.

Practical example

A feed manufacturer for laying hens that currently uses a lutein-rich Tagetes erecta extract in its formulation, authorized under Regulation (EU) 2020/1097, must now:

1. Review the new authorization terms established by Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 to verify whether the inclusion levels and conditions of use of its current formulation remain compliant.
2. Check whether the labeling of the additive and compound feed correctly reflects the updated terms.
3. If it also operates with turkeys for fattening, additionally review the changes introduced in Regulation (EU) 2025/1928, which specifically regulates this species.

If the review detects that current parameters do not comply with the new terms, the company must adapt its formulation or labeling before continuing to market the product, to avoid detection of non-compliance with current regulations during an inspection.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if you use Tagetes erecta extracts in your feeds: Review your additive catalog and formulations to determine if any contain lutein or lutein/zeaxanthin from marigold.
2. Consult the full text of Regulation (EU) 2026/1712: Access the regulation published in the Official Journal of the EU to learn the new authorized technical parameters.
3. Compare previous terms with new ones: Contrast the parameters of Regulation (EU) 2020/1097 and Regulation (EU) 2025/1928 with the new terms established by Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 to identify exactly what has changed.
4. Review formulations and labeling: Verify that the usage levels, application conditions and labeling of your products comply with the new authorized terms.
5. Update internal and product documentation: If deviations are detected, update technical sheets, formulation records and labeling before continuing to market the product.
6. Inform the supply chain: If you distribute these additives or feeds to third parties, communicate the changes to your customers so they can verify their own compliance.

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_202601712