Peppermint, thyme, and sage tinctures authorized in animal feed: what manufacturers must do in 2026

Key data

EU feed manufacturers have had since July 24, 2026 a new legal tool in their additive catalog: tinctures of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) are formally authorized for use in feed intended for all animal species. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1822 is the regulation that governs it and its scope covers all Member States, standardizing competitive conditions in the European animal feed market.

The novelty is not just a formulation opportunity: it is also a compliance obligation. Any company that already used these substances—or wants to start using them—must comply with the specific conditions established by the regulation, both in the production process and in labeling and technical documentation.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/1822 grants formal authorization to three plant-based tinctures as feed additives. Below are the specific details of each authorized substance:

The authorization means that manufacturers can incorporate these substances into their formulations legally and with documentation, provided they comply with the specific conditions established in the regulation text. The territorial scope is the entire EU, which eliminates regulatory asymmetries between member countries that may have previously existed.

Economic and operational impact

This authorization has two dimensions of impact for companies in the sector:

Market opportunity: The legal formalization of these tinctures opens the door to developing or expanding lines of feed with natural additives, a category with growing demand in organic livestock farming, animal welfare, and differentiated production. Validity throughout the EU facilitates cross-border marketing without the need for additional authorizations by country.

Adaptation cost: Companies that already used these tinctures—or want to incorporate them—must assume adaptation costs in two main areas:

• Labeling: Packaging and commercial documentation must reflect the use of these additives in accordance with the nomenclature and conditions of the regulation.
• Technical documentation: Technical sheets, formulation records and product files must be updated to demonstrate compliance with the conditions established in Regulation 2026/1822.

The regulation standardizes competitive conditions in the European market, which benefits operators who were already working with these substances in countries where their use was more restricted or less clear from a regulatory perspective.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers that incorporate or want to incorporate plant-based tinctures in their formulations.
• Livestock farmers that produce their own feed or supervise the composition of what they purchase.
• Veterinarians that advise on animal nutrition and use of additives in farms.
• Animal nutritionists that design diets and formulations for livestock production.
• Animal feed sector operators that distribute or market feed with these additives in any EU Member State.
• Quality and regulatory managers in companies in the sector, who must update technical documentation and labeling.

Practical example

A pork feed manufacturer based in Spain that already used sage tincture (Salvia officinalis L.) as a natural flavoring in its formulations must, as of July 24, 2026, verify that its use complies exactly with the conditions established in Regulation 2026/1822—prior use alone is not sufficient—. In practice, this means:

1. Verify that the tincture used corresponds exactly to the authorized botanical species (Salvia officinalis L.), not other sage varieties.
2. Update the technical sheet of the feed to mention the additive with the official denomination of the regulation.
3. Review the product labeling to ensure it reflects the additive in accordance with European feed labeling regulations.

The same applies to a poultry feed manufacturer that wants to incorporate thyme tincture (Thymus serpyllum L.) for the first time: it now has express legal coverage throughout the EU, but must document its use in accordance with the regulation from the first batch.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify current formulations: If peppermint, thyme, or sage tinctures are already used, check that the botanical species employed matches exactly those authorized in the regulation (Mentha × piperita L., Thymus serpyllum L. and Salvia officinalis L.).
2. Update technical documentation: Review and update technical sheets, product specifications and regulatory files to reflect the use of these additives in accordance with Regulation 2026/1822.
3. Review labeling: Ensure that packaging and commercial materials mention the additives with the denomination and conditions required by European regulations.
4. Consult the specific conditions of the regulation: The official text establishes specific conditions of use. The quality or regulatory department must read and apply those conditions before marketing any batch that includes these additives.
5. Inform the supply chain: Communicate to distributors and livestock customers the changes in formulation or labeling resulting from the new authorization.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in 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_202601822