New microbial additive for feed authorized in the EU: what manufacturers and livestock farmers must do

Key data

Feed manufacturers and operators in the animal feed chain have had a new tool available since 18 September 2026: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2074 formally authorizes the use of the combined preparation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 as a zootechnical additive in feed for all animal species.

The authorization is granted by the European Commission and is directly applicable in all Member States, including Spain, without the need for any additional national regulation. This means that any feed manufacturer can begin to incorporate this preparation in their formulations, provided they strictly comply with the conditions set out in the regulation.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation authorizes a microbial preparation of two combined strains that act as biological preservatives and fermentation enhancers in animal feed. Its main function is to contribute to the stability and nutritional value of feed.

The regulation establishes that sector operators must comply with the conditions of use, maximum doses and labeling requirements set out in the regulatory text. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the marketing of feed that does not conform to European legislation.

Economic and operational impact

For feed manufacturers, this authorization opens a concrete opportunity: having a new technical resource to improve the stability of their products and their nutritional value, which can translate into a competitive advantage over formulations that do not incorporate this type of additives.

From an operational perspective, the changes involved are as follows:

• Voluntary reformulation: It is not mandatory to use the additive, but those who decide to incorporate it must adapt their product technical data sheets.
• Labeling update: Any feed containing this preparation must reflect its presence in the labeling in accordance with the conditions of the regulation.
• Dose control: The regulation sets maximum doses that must be respected in the manufacturing process and must be documented.
• Supplier review: Manufacturers wishing to incorporate this additive must verify that their suppliers supply exactly the authorized strains: DSM 33862 and DSM 12856, with their correct deposit codes.

For livestock farmers who buy ready-formulated feed, the impact is indirect: they may find new feed references on the market that incorporate this preparation, with potential improvements in the preservation and nutritional performance of the feed.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers operating in any EU Member State who wish to incorporate this additive in their formulations.
• Operators in the animal feed chain who distribute or market feed containing this preparation.
• Livestock farmers and livestock operations of any animal species that use feed formulated with this additive.
• Quality and labeling managers in animal nutrition companies, who must update the technical and commercial documentation of affected products.
• Suppliers of additives and raw materials for the feed industry that market or distribute the authorized strains.

Practical example

A Spanish feed manufacturer for cattle and pigs decides to incorporate the new authorized preparation in its line of fermented wet feed. To do so legally, it must follow these steps derived directly from the regulation:

1. Verify that the additive supplier supplies exactly the strains Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856, with their correct deposit numbers.
2. Reformulate the product respecting the maximum doses set in Regulation (EU) 2026/2074.
3. Update the labeling of bags and containers to reflect the presence of the zootechnical additive in accordance with the requirements of the regulation.
4. Document the process in the internal traceability system to be prepared for a possible inspection by the competent authority.

Since this is an authorization for all animal species, the same company could extend the use of this additive to its feed lines for poultry, rabbit farming or aquaculture without the need to process additional authorizations.

What should companies do now?

1. Assess whether the additive fits your product portfolio: Review whether any of your current feed lines could benefit from the biological preservation and fermentation improvement properties offered by this preparation.
2. Verify the exact identity of the strains: Before contracting with any supplier, confirm that the microorganisms correspond to Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856, with their correct deposit codes.
3. Read the conditions of use of the regulation: Consult directly the text of Regulation (EU) 2026/2074 to learn about the authorized maximum doses and specific labeling requirements before reformulating any product.
4. Update technical documentation and labeling: Any feed incorporating this additive must reflect its presence in the labeling in accordance with the regulation. Coordinate with the quality and regulatory department.
5. Inform the sales network and livestock farmer clients: Communicate the availability of the new additive and its technical advantages to clients who may be interested in feed with greater stability and nutritional value.
6. Archive compliance documentation: Keep records of additive use, batches, doses and suppliers to ensure traceability in case of possible inspections by the competent authority.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source — Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2074

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_202602074