New phytase authorized in feed: what manufacturers and livestock farmers must do

Key data

Feed manufacturers and livestock farmers in the pig and poultry sectors have a new enzymatic additive available from May 27, 2026. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1013 authorizes the use of a 6-phytase produced with Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 as a zootechnical additive in feed for specific categories of poultry and pigs. The authorization has been granted to Novozymes A/S as the holder.

This is not an obligation, but an authorization: whoever wants to use this preparation in their feed formulas can now do so, but must strictly comply with the conditions set by the regulation regarding dosage, labeling and worker protection.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation authorizes the incorporation of 6-phytase produced with Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 as an additive in the zootechnical category in feed for the following animal species and categories:

• Poultry for laying
• Poultry for breeding
• Piglets of porcine species
• Pigs for fattening
• Pigs raised for breeding

Phytase works by improving the availability of phosphorus present in cereals, which in its natural form (phytate) is not usable by monogastric animals. By incorporating this enzyme, the animal can absorb that phosphorus, which reduces the need to add inorganic phosphorus supplements to the diet.

The regulation establishes specific conditions that manufacturers must respect:

• Conditions of use and authorized maximum and minimum dosages
• Mandatory labeling of the preparation in the feed
• Requirements for worker safety handling the additive
• Conditions for storage of the preparation

Economic and operational impact

The incorporation of this additive has direct consequences on the cost structure and environmental profile of farms:

• Reduction in formulation costs: By improving the bioavailability of phosphorus from cereals, it is possible to reduce or eliminate part of the inorganic phosphorus (dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate) added as a supplement. These ingredients have a significant cost in the feed formula.
• Lower phosphorus excretion: One of the main environmental problems of intensive livestock farming is phosphorus excretion in slurry and manure. The use of phytase reduces this excretion, which can facilitate compliance with environmental regulations on nitrates and phosphorus in vulnerable areas.
• New operational obligations: Feed manufacturers incorporating this preparation must adapt their labeling processes, occupational safety protocols and storage conditions. This involves reviewing technical sheets, staff training and traceability documentation.
• Commercial opportunity: For feed manufacturers, having this authorized additive expands the catalog of solutions they can offer to livestock farmers seeking to reduce costs or improve their environmental footprint.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers for pig and poultry farming who want to incorporate this additive in their formulas
• Pig farmers (piglets, fattening and breeding) who buy or manufacture their own feed
• Poultry farmers for laying and breeding who use feed with enzymatic additives
• Quality and formulation managers in animal nutrition companies
• Occupational health and safety managers in feed manufacturing plants
• Technical advisors and veterinarians in animal nutrition who recommend formulations

Practical example

A feed manufacturing company for fattening pigs decides to incorporate 6-phytase Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 from Novozymes A/S in its range of fattening feed.

To do so legally from May 27, 2026, it must:

1. Verify that the dosages used comply with the specific conditions set in Regulation (EU) 2026/1013.
2. Update the feed labeling to include the mandatory mention of the additive with the data required by the regulation.
3. Review occupational safety protocols for operators handling the enzymatic preparation in the plant.
4. Adapt the storage conditions of the preparation according to the regulation specifications.

In return, the company can reformulate by reducing the amount of inorganic phosphate in the diet, which can result in savings in raw material costs, while also offering its livestock farmer clients feed with lower phosphorus excretion, a relevant argument in areas with environmental restrictions on slurry.

What should companies do now?

1. Evaluate whether to incorporate the additive: Analyze whether phytase Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 fits into current feed formulas for authorized species (laying hens, breeding poultry, piglets, fattening pigs and breeding pigs).
2. Read the specific conditions of the regulation: Before May 27, 2026, review the authorized dosages, conditions of use and labeling requirements established by Regulation (EU) 2026/1013.
3. Update labeling: If you decide to incorporate the additive, adapt feed labels to comply with the mandatory labeling required by the regulation.
4. Review occupational safety protocols: Update safety data sheets and handling procedures for the enzymatic preparation to comply with worker protection requirements.
5. Adapt storage conditions: Verify that facilities comply with the storage conditions set for this preparation.
6. Inform livestock farmer clients: Communicate to clients the advantages in reducing inorganic phosphorus and environmental excretion, especially in areas with restrictions on slurry.