Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1122 of May 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| CELEX Reference | CELEX:32026R1122 |
| Publication | May 27, 2026 |
| Entry into force | May 26, 2026 |
| Authorized additive | Preparation of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 |
| Authorization holder | Chr. Hansen A/S |
| Type of additive | Zootechnical additive for feed |
| Affected parties | Feed manufacturers, poultry integrators and holders of poultry farming operations |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Year | 2026 |
Compound feed manufacturers and poultry integrators have a new nutritional optimization tool at their disposal: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1122 formally authorizes the use of the preparation of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 as a zootechnical additive in feed intended for poultry. The regulation is directly applicable in all Member States from May 26, 2026, without the need for national transposition.
The authorization was granted to manufacturer Chr. Hansen A/S following a positive evaluation by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) on the safety and efficacy of the preparation. This means that the product has passed the most stringent scientific controls in the EU before reaching the market.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation 2026/1122 regulates the conditions under which the preparation of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 can be legally incorporated into feed in the European Union. The key elements are detailed below:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorized additive | Preparation of Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 |
| Classification | Zootechnical additive |
| Authorization holder | Chr. Hansen A/S |
| Scientific evaluator | EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) |
| EFSA evaluation result | Positive on safety and efficacy |
| Target species | Broiler poultry, poultry reared for laying or breeding, ornamental birds |
| Obligations for manufacturers | Comply with conditions of use, dosage and labeling established in the regulation |
| Consequences of non-compliance | Sanctions and product withdrawal from the market |
The regulation is directly applicable: it does not require additional regulatory development in Spain or any other Member State. Any feed manufacturer wishing to incorporate this additive must do so exclusively under the technical and labeling conditions set out in the text published in the EU Official Journal.
Economic and operational impact
The authorization of a new zootechnical additive has concrete operational and commercial implications for the industry:
- Product differentiation opportunity: Compound feed manufacturers can incorporate Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 11181 into their catalog as a zootechnical optimization tool for the poultry sector, with scientific backing from EFSA.
- Cost of labeling adaptation: Any feed incorporating this additive must reflect in its labeling the specific conditions set out in the regulation. This involves reviewing and updating the technical data sheets and labels of the affected products.
- Regulatory risk from non-compliance: The regulation is explicit: failure to comply with the authorization conditions may result in sanctions and product withdrawal from the market. This affects both the additive manufacturer and the feed manufacturer that incorporates it without meeting the requirements.
- Impact on poultry integrators: Integrators that supply feed to their integrated farms must verify that any feed incorporating this additive complies with the regulation's specifications before distributing it.
- Initial exclusive access: The authorization is granted to Chr. Hansen A/S as the holder. Other manufacturers wishing to market the same preparation will need to obtain their own authorization or act under license.