Xanthan gum in animal feed: what manufacturers and farmers must do from April 2026

Key data

Feed manufacturers for livestock, poultry and other farm species have a new technological tool available from April 1, 2026: xanthan gum as a thickening and stabilizing additive. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/538, published on March 12, 2026, formalizes this authorization with specific conditions that affect the entire chain: manufacturers, distributors and farmers using these feeds.

The regulation is not a recommendation: it is an authorization with associated obligations. Anyone wishing to use this additive must comply with the conditions of use and labeling. Non-compliance exposes them to sanctions and product withdrawal.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/538 formally authorizes xanthan gum as a technological additive in animal feed, with thickening and stabilizing function. The authorization is specific: it only covers xanthan gum produced by specific strains of Xanthomonas campestris.

The authorization covers all animal species with three express exceptions:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Aquatic species

This means the additive can be used in feed for cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, rabbits and other farm or companion species not included in the exclusions.

The conditions that must be met are:

• Incorporate the additive respecting the usage limits set in the regulation
• Correctly label products containing xanthan gum
• Use exclusively the authorized strains (ATCC SD 7012, DSM 23730, CNCM I-4861 or CIP 74.23)

Economic and operational impact

The authorization opens a formulation opportunity for feed manufacturers that previously could not use this additive in a regulated manner. The operational impact is concentrated in three areas:

For feed manufacturers: They can incorporate xanthan gum in their production lines to improve product texture and stability. This requires reviewing and updating formulation technical sheets, labeling systems and quality control procedures to verify that the strain used is one of the four authorized ones.

For distributors: They must verify that products they market with xanthan gum comply with the conditions of Regulation 2026/538. Products that are not correctly labeled or that use unauthorized strains may be withdrawn from the market.

For farmers: The direct impact is minor, but they must ensure that the feed they purchase for their animals complies with current regulations, especially if their operation has both included and excluded species (for example, working dogs alongside livestock).

The clearest economic risk is product withdrawal from the market due to non-compliance, with the cost of batch destruction and associated reputational damage.

Who does it affect?

• Feed manufacturers for livestock, poultry, rabbits and other non-excluded species: must adapt formulations, labeling and technical documentation
• Feed distributors: must verify regulatory compliance of products they market
• Farmers and agricultural operations using feed with technological additives: must know what the products they purchase contain
• Pet feed manufacturers: CANNOT use this additive in products for cats and dogs under this authorization
• Aquaculture feed manufacturers: are also not covered by this authorization

Practical example

A cattle feed manufacturer wants to incorporate xanthan gum as a stabilizer in a new line of wet feed. From April 1, 2026, it can do so legally if:

1. It uses xanthan gum produced by one of the four authorized strains: ATCC SD 7012, DSM 23730, CNCM I-4861 or CIP 74.23
2. It respects the usage limits established in Regulation 2026/538
3. It includes in the product labeling the mention of the additive in accordance with the established conditions

If that same manufacturer also produces feed for aquaculture fish or food for dogs and cats, it cannot use this authorization for those product lines. It would need a specific authorization for those species, which Regulation 2026/538 does not cover.

A distributor receiving a batch of feed with xanthan gum produced by a strain other than the four authorized ones would be marketing a non-compliant product, with risk of market withdrawal and sanction.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify the strains used: If you already use or plan to use xanthan gum in feed, confirm that your supplier provides one of the four authorized strains (ATCC SD 7012, DSM 23730, CNCM I-4861 or CIP 74.23). Any other strain is not covered by this regulation.
2. Review product labeling: Update the labels of all feed containing xanthan gum to comply with the labeling conditions of Regulation 2026/538 before April 1, 2026.
3. Check target species: Ensure that products with xanthan gum are not intended for cats, dogs or aquatic species. If you have product lines for these species, the authorization does not apply.
4. Update technical documentation: Technical sheets, product specifications and quality control procedures must reflect the use of this additive in accordance with current regulations.
5. Inform the distribution chain: Distributors and farmer customers must know what additives the products they purchase contain to avoid non-compliant uses.