Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris, T. zygis) in feed: thymol 35–60 % as the marker determined by GC-FID according to ISO 19817, maximum contents from 38 to 100 mg/kg and no combination with other sources of thymol
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1865, published on 30 July 2026, after re-evaluation authorises until 19 August 2036 the essential oil from the flowering aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris L. or Thymus zygis L. as a flavouring in feed for all animal species. The Commission set maximum contents because thymol — 35–60 % of the oil — is a pharmacologically active substance within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 37/2010. Use in water for drinking was not authorised, as Regulation 1831/2003 does not provide for it for flavourings.
- Specification: thymol 35–60 %, p-cymene 13–28 %, γ-terpinene 4–13 %, linalool 0.5–6.5 %, camphor at most 0.7 %. Thymol is the phytochemical marker determined in the additive by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) according to ISO 19817. EFSA states that the specification was based on ISO 19817:2017 and European Pharmacopoeia monograph 01/2008:1838.
- Data from the EFSA opinion: full GC-MS analysis of 7 batches from T. vulgaris and 6 from T. zygis showed up to 91 peaks; thymol averaged 53.71 % (47.78–57.65 %) in oil from T. vulgaris and 51.04 % (48.50–54.75 %) in oil from T. zygis, as per cent of peak area. 10 batches analysed by GC-FID complied with the specification, and the refractive index (20 °C) in 9 batches was within 1.500–1.5021.
- Maximum contents in mg/kg complete feed: cats and other species and categories 38; chickens for fattening and minor poultry species for fattening, poultry reared for laying and ornamental birds 48; turkeys for fattening 64; laying poultry 72; Leporidae 76; piglets and minor porcine species for fattening 86; pigs for fattening, pigs for reproduction, calves up to 6 months, sheep, goats and other ruminants, Equidae, salmonids, dogs and ornamental fish 100. At 100 mg oil per kg feed, thymol may reach 60 mg/kg and carvacrol 5.27 mg/kg; EFSA considered both safe at 125 mg/kg.
- The additive is incorporated into feed only via a premixture and is not combined with other sources of thymol. EFSA concluded that the oil should be considered a skin and eye irritant and a skin and respiratory sensitiser — skin, eye and respiratory protection is required. Additive and premixtures made under the old rules before 19 February 2027, feed for food-producing animals before 19 August 2027 and other feed before 19 August 2028 may be used until stocks are exhausted.