Patchouli oil in feed: patchouli alcohol 27–35 % as the marker determined by GC-FID according to ISO 3757, all 23 GC-MS peaks identified in five batches, recommended maximum from 7.5 to 60 mg/kg
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/528, published on 12 March 2026, after re-evaluation authorises until 1 April 2036 the essential oil obtained by steam distillation of dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin Benth. as a flavouring in feed for all animal species — without a maximum content, with a recommended maximum stated on the label. Use in water for drinking was not authorised, as Regulation 1831/2003 does not provide for it for flavourings.
- Specification: patchouli alcohol 27–35 %, 1(5),11-guaiadiene 11–16 %, β-caryophyllene 2–5 %, α-bulnesene 13–21 %. Patchouli alcohol is the phytochemical marker determined in the additive by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) according to ISO 3757. According to EFSA (opinion e9357), five batches analysed by GC-MS contained 33.52–34.53 % patchouli alcohol, 14.96–15.25 % guaiadiene, 3.66–3.73 % β-caryophyllene and 16.43–17.21 % α-bulnesene (per cent of peak area).
- Up to 23 peaks were detected in the chromatograms of the five batches and all were identified — they accounted on average for 99.6 % of the area, so EFSA considered the oil a fully defined mixture. The four specified components made up on average 69.8 %, and 14 further ones exceeded 0.5 % each; no substances of concern were detected in any batch at a limit of detection of 0.01 %.
- Recommended maximum in mg/kg complete feed: 7.5 for poultry, pigs for fattening, Equidae, Leporidae, salmonids, dogs, cats, ornamental fish and other species and categories; 24 for piglets and minor porcine species for fattening; 34 for other ruminants; 35 for pigs for reproduction; 53 for sheep, goats and cattle for fattening; 60 for veal calves up to 6 months. If the dose from a premixture would exceed these values, the premixture label states the functional group, identification number, name and amount of the substance.
- EFSA concluded that the oil should be considered a skin and eye irritant and a skin and respiratory sensitiser; the additive is incorporated into feed only via a premixture, with skin, eye and respiratory protection. Efficacy did not need to be demonstrated again, as P. cablin leaves and their preparations are recognised food flavourings. 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.