Acacia gum in feed as emulsifier and stabiliser: efficacy confirmed with Turbiscan (TSI 51.3 without the gum against 6.1 with it), genotoxicity ruled out by an OECD 487 micronucleus test, limits from 278 to 4889 mg/kg
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/540, published on 12 March 2026, after re-evaluation authorises until 1 April 2036 acacia gum — the dried exudate from stems and branches of Acacia senegal or closely related Acacia species — as an emulsifier and stabiliser in feed for all animal species; the applicant withdrew the functional groups “thickeners” and “gelling agents”. In its 2022 opinion EFSA could not conclude on safety for long-living and reproductive animals or on efficacy; the amending opinion of 24 June 2025 closed both questions.
- Efficacy (EFSA opinion e9542): three in vitro studies compared emulsions with and without acacia gum using Turbiscan, five subsamples per emulsion; a higher Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) means a less stable emulsion. Flavouring emulsion: control TSI 51.3, with the gum 6.1 after 30 days; milk replacer emulsion: 13.4 against 0.7 after 3 hours; vitamin A microemulsion: 39.6 against 13.9 after 30 days.
- Genotoxicity: EFSA received the original reports of the studies assessed by the ANS Panel in 2017 and a new in vitro micronucleus test in human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells according to OECD 487 (claimed GLP compliance, six concentrations 0.313–10 mM, flow cytometry read-out) — with no increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells. Maximum safe concentrations were derived from a NOAEL of 2500 mg/kg bw from a chronic rat study and an uncertainty factor of 100.
- Maximum contents in mg/kg complete feed: chickens for fattening and reared, minor poultry species, ornamental birds and other species 278; turkeys for fattening 375; laying poultry 415; Leporidae 440; piglets 500; pigs for fattening 600; dairy and reproductive ruminants 715; sows 729; sheep, goats, ruminants for fattening or rearing, Equidae and cats 1100; calves (milk replacers) 1164; food-producing fish 1257; dogs 1320; ornamental fish 4889.
- Specification: loss on drying ≤ 10 %, total ash ≤ 4 %, acid-insoluble matter ≤ 1 %, acid-insoluble ash ≤ 0.5 %; characterisation according to European Pharmacopoeia monograph 0307 or 0308 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 with the JECFA compendium. The gum may sensitise skin and airways — skin, eye and respiratory protection is required. Additive and premixtures made under the old rules before 1 October 2026, feed for food-producing animals before 1 April 2027 and other feed before 1 April 2028 may be used until stocks are exhausted.