Lutein from marigold in poultry feed: Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 introduces a hexane limit of 290 mg/kg — one of three batches analysed for EFSA contained 1,778 mg/kg — and HPLC methods including EN 17550
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1712 of 20 July 2026, published on 21 July, amends and corrects Regulation (EU) 2020/1097 on the lutein-rich extract (2a161b) and lutein/zeaxanthin extract (2a161bi) from Tagetes erecta for poultry (except turkeys). The specification gets a hexane limit of ≤ 290 mg/kg alongside benzene ≤ 2 mg/kg, hexane is listed as the extraction solvent, and the preparation must contain at least 0.5% total carotenoids.
- The 290 mg/kg limit is the VICH guideline value for residual solvents, recommended by EFSA in its opinion of 18 September 2024 (application to extend use to turkeys for fattening); at the FEEDAP Panel plenary of 24–26 June 2025 it was found that the recommendation also applies to the lutein/zeaxanthin extract. In the data submitted to EFSA, hexane in one of three batches of the extract was 1,778 mg/kg; in the preparation assessed by EFSA it was below the limit of quantification (0.1 mg/kg) in two batches and 0.25 mg/kg in the third.
- Benzene is not used in production — its possible source is food-grade hexane, in which it is a known impurity. EFSA recommended lowering the benzene limit from 2 to ≤ 0.1 mg/kg, but the regulation keeps ≤ 2 mg/kg. Active substance: total carotenoids ≥ 60 g/kg; in the lutein-rich extract lutein ≥ 75% and zeaxanthin ≥ 4% of total carotenoids, in the lutein/zeaxanthin extract ≥ 37% and ≥ 36% respectively.
- Methods: lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids in the additive are determined by HPLC with spectrophotometry according to the FAO JECFA monograph “Lutein from Tagetes erecta”, and total carotenoids in premixtures and compound feed by reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection according to EN 17550. The reference laboratory updated its report on methods of analysis for lutein on 15 January 2025.
- Corrections: the composition of the preparations is described (solid or liquid form), xanthophylls are removed from the mixing rule as a subgroup of carotenoids, the authorisation expiry date — 16 August 2030 — erroneously changed in 2021 is restored, and the additive for turkeys under Regulation 2025/1928 gets the same number 2a161b. Total carotenoids may not exceed 80 mg/kg complete feed (50 mg/kg for minor laying poultry with the lutein/zeaxanthin extract); additives labelled before 10 February 2027 may be used up.