Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553 of March 13, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Publication | March 16, 2026 |
| Entry into force | March 13, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Feed manufacturers for poultry, poultry producers and additive distributors in the EU |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Regulated additive | Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 |
| Authorization holder | Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH (Germany) |
| Modified regulations | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1755 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1054 |
| Type of additive | Microbial zootechnical additive for animal feed |
Feed manufacturers for poultry and ornamental birds operating in the European Union must review their formulations with immediate effect. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553, published on March 16, 2026 and in force since March 13, 2026, updates the conditions under which the preparation Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 is authorized for use as an additive in poultry feed.
This change is not minor: it directly affects product formulations, commercial labeling, and the additive distribution chain throughout the EU. Those who fail to adapt their processes face the risk of sanctions and product withdrawal from the European market.
What does this regulation establish?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553 modifies two previous regulations that governed the use of this additive:
| Modified regulation | Affected content |
|---|---|
| Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1755 | Authorization terms for the preparation Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 as an additive for poultry feed |
| Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1054 | Authorized conditions of use for the same microbial preparation |
The regulated additive, Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016, is a microbial preparation of zootechnical type. Its function is to improve productive performance and digestive health in birds. It is authorized for use in feed intended for:
- Broiler chickens
- Birds raised for breeding
- Laying hens
- Ornamental birds
The authorization holder is Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH, a German company specializing in additives for animal feed. The adjustments introduced by this regulation affect the terms and conditions under which this preparation can be marketed and incorporated into feed within the European market.
Economic and operational impact
Although the regulation does not establish specific penalty amounts in the available data, the operational impact for affected companies is direct and urgent:
- Formulation review: Any feed incorporating Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 must be verified against the new authorization terms. If the current formulation does not comply with the updated conditions, it must be modified before continuing to market the product.
- Labeling update: The labeling of feed containing this additive must reflect the new authorized terms. This may involve costs for redesign, reprinting, and management of already-printed packaging stock.
- Risk of market withdrawal: Non-compliance with the new terms may result in administrative sanctions or mandatory withdrawal of products from the European market, with consequent economic and reputational impact.
- Review of supplier contracts: Additive distributors must verify that the supply of Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 complies with the new requirements before continuing to distribute it.
The regulation entered into force on March 13, 2026, so there is no pending transition period: adaptation is immediate.
Who does it affect?
- Feed manufacturers for poultry that incorporate the additive Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 in their formulations, regardless of bird type (broiler, breeding, laying, or ornamental).
- Poultry producers who manufacture their own feed or who supervise the technical specifications of the feed they purchase.
- Distributors and marketers of additives for animal feed that operate with this microbial preparation in the European market.
- Quality and regulatory managers in animal nutrition companies who must validate regulatory compliance of their products.
- Importers and exporters of poultry feed within the European single market that include this additive in their products.
Practical example
A Spanish feed manufacturer for broilers (meat chickens) that currently uses the preparation Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 in its production line must, from March 13, 2026:
- Review the technical datasheets of the additive supplied by Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH to confirm that the preparation complies with the new terms of Regulation (EU) 2026/553.
- Verify that the conditions of use in its formulation (dosage, bird category, purpose) are aligned with the updated terms that modify Regulations (EU) 2020/1755 and (EU) 2024/1054.
- Update the labeling of feed bags or containers that mention this additive, reflecting the new authorized conditions.
- If the manufacturer also produces feed for ornamental birds or breeding birds, it must perform the same process for each affected product line, as the authorization covers all mentioned bird categories.
Failing to act in time implies the risk of marketing a product outside the current authorization terms, which may result in inspections, sanctions, or batch withdrawal from the market.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if you use the additive Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 in any of your poultry feed formulations (broiler, breeding, laying) or ornamental birds. If you do not use it, this regulation does not directly affect you.
- Request updated documentation from your supplier (Biochem Zusatzstoffe or your usual distributor) on the new authorization terms for the preparation under Regulation (EU) 2026/553.
- Review your current formulations and compare them with the updated conditions of use that this regulation modifies with respect to Regulations (EU) 2020/1755 and (EU) 2024/1054.
- Update the labeling of all affected products to reflect the new authorized terms. Manage the stock of already-printed packaging to avoid marketing product with outdated labeling.
- Document the adaptation process internally, with date and responsible party, to be able to prove compliance in case of a possible regulatory inspection.
- Review contracts and agreements with distributors to ensure that all links in your supply chain are aligned with the new requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the additive Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 and which birds is it authorized for?
It is a microbial preparation of zootechnical type that improves digestive health and productive performance in birds. It is authorized for use in feed for broiler chickens, breeding birds, laying hens, and ornamental birds. The authorization holder is the German company Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH.
When did this regulation enter into force?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553 entered into force on March 13, 2026. There is no transition period, so adaptation must be immediate.
What happens if I continue using the additive under the old terms?
Using the additive under terms that do not comply with the updated regulation may result in administrative sanctions, product withdrawal from the market, or inspection by competent authorities. It is essential to adapt immediately.
Do I need to destroy existing stock of feed with the old labeling?
Not necessarily, but you must manage the transition carefully. Feed already produced and labeled under the previous terms should be sold as quickly as possible, while new production must comply with the updated terms. Consult your regulatory advisor for specific guidance on your situation.
Which regulations does this new rule modify?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553 modifies Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1755 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1054, both of which regulated the authorization terms and conditions of use for Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance?
Feed manufacturers, distributors, and producers who use or supply this additive are responsible for ensuring compliance. Quality and regulatory teams should verify that all formulations and labeling meet the new requirements.
Official source
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/553 of March 13, 2026, amending Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/1755 and (EU) 2024/1054 as regards the authorization of the preparation of Weizmannia faecalis DSM 32016 as a feed additive for poultry.
Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on March 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is based on the regulatory text available as of the publication date. Regulations may be subject to amendments, interpretations, or clarifications by competent authorities. Companies should consult with their legal and regulatory advisors to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations and to assess the specific impact on their operations. The author and publisher assume no liability for the use or misuse of this information.