Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition for purposes of improving the quality of feed and the quality of food from animal origin, or to improve the animals’ performance and health. Feed additives may not be put on the market unless authorisation has been given following a scientific evaluation demonstrating that the additive has no harmful effects, on human and animal health and on the environment.

The Feed Additives Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003) establishes a standardised procedure for authorising feed additives within the European Union, ensuring their safe and proper use in animal nutrition. The regulation applies to all feed additives and premixtures, excluding processing aids and veterinary medicinal products. It mandates that only authorised additives, categorised as technological, sensory, nutritional, zootechnical, or as coccidiostats and histomonostats, can be marketed and used, specifying conditions for their application. Antibiotics are not feed additives.

There are two types of authorisations: one for zootechnical additives, coccidiostats, and those involving GMOs, and another for technological, sensory, and nutritional additives, each valid for 10 years and renewable. The authorisation process involves the submission of detailed applications to the European Commission and assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which evaluates the safety and efficacy of the additives. Favourable opinions from EFSA lead to a draft decision by the Commission, which can authorise or reject the additive's use. 

The regulation also establishes an EU register for feed additives and specific labelling requirements, ensuring transparency and compliance. Feed business operators are responsible for adhering to the regulations, including proper labelling that details the additive's identity, manufacturer, usage directions, and any safety precautions.

Related regulations:

• Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition

• Regulation (EC) No 429/2008 on detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 as regards the preparation and the presentation of applications and the assessment and the authorisation of feed additives