New molybdenum additive in bee feed: what manufacturers and beekeepers must do in 2026

Key data

As of 11 September 2026, manufacturers of bee feed and operators in the animal nutrition sector have a new tool available: EDTA molybdenum chelate is formally authorized as a nutritional additive in feed intended for honeybees. The regulatory reference is Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2027, published in the Official Journal of the European Union under reference OJ:L_202602027.

This authorization is not universal: the holder is Oligofeed SAS, which means that only this company can market the additive under this authorization. Other operators interested in producing or distributing this compound will have to initiate their own authorization process with the competent authorities.

What does this regulation establish?

The Regulation authorizes the use of EDTA molybdenum chelate as a nutritional category additive in feed formulated specifically for honeybees. The key points it establishes are as follows:

• Manufacturers of bee feed will be able to incorporate this compound in their formulations, always within the limits and conditions established by the regulation.
• Operators in the beekeeping and animal nutrition sector must adapt their labeling and product records to comply with the traceability requirements demanded by European legislation.
• The authorization has temporary character and is subject to periodic review in accordance with European legislation on additives in animal feed.
• Companies wishing to market this additive outside of Oligofeed SAS's ownership must apply for their own authorization with the competent authorities.

This approval is part of the European system for controlling additives in animal feed, which requires prior scientific evaluation and express authorization before any compound can be incorporated into feed marketed in the EU.

Economic and operational impact

For operators already active in the sector, the most immediate impact is operational and documentary: the incorporation of a new authorized additive requires reviewing and updating labeling, technical sheets and traceability records of products containing it.

From a business opportunity perspective, the authorization opens the door to new formulations of bee feed with this compound, which can provide a competitive advantage for manufacturers who incorporate it before their competitors, as long as they comply with labeling and traceability regulations.

Who does it affect?

• Manufacturers of bee feed: must evaluate whether to incorporate EDTA molybdenum chelate in their formulations and, if they do, adapt labeling and records.
• Professional beekeepers: who use complementary feed for their hives must verify that the products they purchase comply with the new labeling regulations.
• Distributors of additives for animal feed: who wish to market this compound outside of Oligofeed SAS's umbrella need to initiate their own authorization process with the competent authorities.
• Oligofeed SAS: as the authorization holder, is the only operator that can market the additive under this regulation.
• Regulatory advisors and animal nutrition consultants: must inform their clients in the beekeeping sector about the new possibilities and obligations arising from this authorization.

Practical example

A Spanish manufacturer of complementary feed for beekeeping that wants to incorporate EDTA molybdenum chelate in a new product line must follow this process:

1. Verify that it acquires the additive from Oligofeed SAS (authorization holder) or from a distributor authorized by this company, since no other operator can market it under this regulation without their own authorization.
2. Reformulate the product within the limits and conditions established by Regulation (EU) 2026/2027.
3. Update the labeling of the feed to reflect the presence of the additive with its official name: "EDTA molybdenum chelate".
4. Update the traceability records of the product to comply with the requirements demanded by European animal feed legislation.

If, instead, that same manufacturer wanted to produce and market the additive on its own account (not just incorporate it into its feed), it would have to initiate an independent authorization process with the competent authorities, since the current authorization is exclusive to Oligofeed SAS.

What should companies do now?

1. Evaluate whether the additive is relevant to your portfolio: manufacturers of bee feed must analyze whether incorporating EDTA molybdenum chelate adds value to their current or future formulations.
2. Verify the supply chain: if you decide to incorporate the additive, confirm that the supplier is Oligofeed SAS or a distributor authorized by this company, since the authorization is nominative.
3. Update labeling and technical sheets: any feed containing this additive must reflect its presence with the official name and comply with the traceability requirements of European regulations.
4. Review product records: update internal manufacturing documentation and records with the competent authorities to include the new additive within authorized limits.
5. Monitor periodic review: given that the authorization has temporary character and is subject to review, it is advisable to establish an alert system to detect possible changes in conditions of use or authorized limits.
6. Apply for your own authorization if you want to market the additive: distributors or manufacturers who want to market EDTA molybdenum chelate on their own account must initiate the authorization process with the competent authorities of the EU.

Official source

Consult complete regulation from 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_202602027