Natural additive in broiler feed: what changes in 2026 for manufacturers and poultry farmers

Key data

If you formulate feed for broiler chickens or are a poultry producer using this type of natural additives, you have a concrete obligation from 24 July 2026: to ensure that the use of the preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and Capsicum oleoresin complies with the conditions of the new Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1777. The previous regulation, Regulation (EU) 2015/1490, has been repealed.

The renewal is not automatic or merely administrative: it means that the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has re-evaluated the product and confirmed that it meets current safety and efficacy requirements. Any use that does not comply with the new conditions established may constitute an irregularity in the poultry production chain.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/1777 renews the authorization of the following preparation as a zootechnical additive in feed intended for broiler chickens:

This preparation is classified as a zootechnical additive, that is, it is used to improve the productive performance of animals (feed conversion, growth, etc.) and not as a preservative or colorant. The authorization holder is ADM International Sarl, a company represented in the European Union by ADM Specialty Ingredients (Europe) B.V.

The renewal involves two specific regulatory changes:

• The new conditions of use of the preparation are established, replacing those set in 2015.
• The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1490 is repealed, which was the regulation that had granted the initial authorization for this additive.

Economic and operational impact

For feed manufacturers, the most immediate impact is operational and documentary compliance. The product itself does not disappear from the market, but the conditions of use have been updated. This may affect:

• Technical sheets and labeling of feeds that incorporate this additive, which must reflect the reference to the new regulation.
• Supply contracts with ADM International Sarl or ADM Specialty Ingredients (Europe) B.V., which may include clauses linked to the current authorization.
• Official audits and controls: inspectors will verify compliance with Regulation (EU) 2026/1777, not the repealed (EU) 2015/1490.

For poultry producers, the impact is indirect but relevant: if their feed supplier does not update the conditions of use of the additive, the final product may not be in compliance, which could generate problems in quality certifications or food chain controls.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers that include the preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and Capsicum oleoresin in their formulas for broilers.
• Poultry producers (broiler chicken farms) that use feed with this zootechnical additive.
• Distributors and marketers of additives for animal feed operating with this preparation in the EU.
• Quality and regulatory departments of companies in the sector that must update their technical and compliance documentation.
• ADM International Sarl and ADM Specialty Ingredients (Europe) B.V. as holders and representatives of the authorization, with specific communication and labeling obligations.

Practical example

A feed manufacturing company based in Spain that produces a range of starter feeds for broiler chickens and incorporates the preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and Capsicum oleoresin as a zootechnical additive, had until now its technical sheets and labels referencing the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1490.

As of 24 July 2026, that regulatory reference has been repealed. The company must:

1. Update all product technical sheets to cite the Regulation (EU) 2026/1777.
2. Review that the conditions of use of the additive in its formulation comply with the new specifications of the current regulation.
3. Communicate the change to its customers (poultry farms) if required by its contracts or sector best practice guides.

If the company undergoes an official inspection with documentation citing the repealed regulation, it may face observations or non-conformities in its quality management system, even though the additive itself remains legal.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if you use this additive: Check if your broiler feed formulations include the preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and Capsicum oleoresin. If so, this regulation directly affects you.
2. Update technical documentation: Replace all references to Regulation (EU) 2015/1490 with the new Regulation (EU) 2026/1777 in technical sheets, labels and internal records.
3. Review the conditions of use: Compare the conditions of the new regulation with those you have been applying to detect any changes in dosage, restrictions or labeling requirements.
4. Contact the authorization holder: If you are a distributor or user of the preparation from ADM International Sarl / ADM Specialty Ingredients (Europe) B.V., request updated documentation that certifies the renewal of the authorization.
5. Update supply contracts and agreements: Review that contracts with suppliers and customers reflect the current regulation, especially if they include regulatory compliance clauses.
6. Inform the quality and production team: Ensure that those responsible for formulation, labeling and audits are aware of the regulatory change and the entry into force date (24/07/2026).

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: 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_202601777