Clinoptilolite of volcanic origin authorised as a feed additive: Regulation (EU) 2026/2091 names XRD and XRF for characterisation, TEM for confirming absence of asbestos and a limit of 20,000 mg/kg feed
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2091 of 18 September 2026, published on 21 September, the Commission authorised clinoptilolite of volcanic origin (technological additive, anticaking agent, No 1i567) for poultry for fattening and reared poultry, ornamental birds, piglets and pigs for fattening. The authorisation is valid until 11 October 2036.
- The maximum content is 20,000 mg/kg of complete feed with 12% moisture, counting clinoptilolite from all sources. Following the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of 18 November 2025, which could not conclude on other animal species, the applicant withdrew the application for the other species and for the functional group “binders”.
- Specification: clinoptilolite at least 85.0%, feldspar, micas and clays at most 15.0%; impurities — nickel ≤ 0.1 mg/kg, respirable crystalline silica ≤ 0.1%, free of asbestos. For characterisation of the additive the regulation names X-ray diffraction (XRD, EN 13925) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF, EN ISO 12677), and a footnote to the asbestos-free requirement names transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Method details are published by the EU Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives (EURL-FA).
- In the EFSA opinion (EFSA Journal 2025;23:e9780) five batches contained 88.0 to 94.0% clinoptilolite by XRPD (average 91.6%) and 0.007 to 0.044% crystalline silica, and asbestos was not detected; nickel in three batches was below 0.1 mg/kg, but 1.8 to 5.2 mg/kg in the dust. Small particles were examined by SEM-EDX and DLS.
- Because of the nickel, the additive is considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Feed business operators must set up procedures to limit user exposure and, where these are not enough, use skin and respiratory protection, paying particular attention to the rules on exposure to crystalline silica and nickel.