Preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsicum oleoresin for chickens for fattening renewed until 2036: new composition ranges, capsaicin plus dihydrocapsaicin 0.11–0.15 %, GC-FID determination and a dose of 100 mg/kg as both minimum and maximum content
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1777, published on 27 July 2026, renews until 16 August 2036 the authorisation of the preparation of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsicum oleoresin (4d11) as a zootechnical additive improving performance of chickens for fattening, changes the authorisation holder from Pancosma France S.A.S. to ADM International Sarl and repeals Regulation 2015/1490. At the holder’s request the content ranges of the constituents were adjusted, and the dose of 100 mg/kg, until now the recommended minimum, became the minimum content.
- Composition of the preparation: carvacrol 4.5–5.5 % (previously 4.6–5.3 %), cinnamaldehyde 2.7–3.3 % (previously 2.6–3.2 %), capsicum oleoresin ≥ 2 % with a sum of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin of 0.11–0.15 % in the additive (previously 0.06–0.21 %); according to EFSA the rest is food-grade rapeseed oil. Carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde of ≥ 98 % purity, oleoresin from dried red chillies (Capsicum annuum or C. frutescens) with 6–7 % capsaicinoids. Carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in the additive are quantified by GC-FID.
- Data from the EFSA opinion (6 batches): carvacrol 5.2–5.4 % — two batches exceeded the former upper limit of 5.3 % but are within the new one; cinnamaldehyde 3.2 %, capsaicinoids 0.12–0.14 %. The applicant justified the wider ranges by variability of the raw material, the process and the analytical methods. Stauber-Heubach dusting potential 66–97 mg/m³, median particle size (laser diffraction) 446–486 µm — after a change of the spraying nozzle the particles are larger; otherwise the process has not changed.
- The dose of 100 mg additive/kg complete feed is now both the minimum and the maximum content; the maximum of 100 mg/kg already applied, and 100 mg/kg was the recommended minimum dose. The Commission based the minimum on the 2015 EFSA opinion, according to which the additive may be efficacious in chickens for fattening at 100 mg/kg; efficacy was not reassessed for the renewal, as the application did not change conditions affecting it. The additive is not used with other sources of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin.
- EFSA considered the additive a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and a skin sensitiser; any exposure is a risk. Additive and premixtures made under the old rules before 16 February 2027 and feed made before 16 August 2027 may be used until stocks are exhausted.