Star anise oil in feed: trans-anethole 85–93 % determined by GC-FID according to ISO 11016, estragole up to 6 %, safrole at most 0.01 % and maximum contents from 0.6 to 83.8 mg/kg
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2090, published on 21 September 2026, after re-evaluation authorises until 11 October 2036 the essential oil from the dried fruit of Illicium verum Hook.f. (with or without leaves) as a flavouring in feed for all animal species. The maximum contents follow from the presence of estragole, a genotoxic and carcinogenic compound of the p-allylalkoxybenzene group. Use in water for drinking was not authorised.
- Specification: trans-anethole 85–93 %, estragole at most 6 %, limonene 0.2–6 %, linalool 0.2–2.5 %, safrole at most 0.01 %. The phytochemical marker trans-anethole is determined in the additive by GC-FID according to ISO 11016. According to EFSA, the specification was based on ISO 11016:1999; in 4 batches analysed by GC-FID (2 from fruit with leaves, 2 from fruit only) trans-anethole was 88.3–88.9 % and estragole 3.14–3.68 %.
- Full GC-MS analysis of 7 batches from China showed up to 85 constituents, 58 of which were identified (on average 99.9 % of peak area); estragole 2.67–4.09 %, safrole not detected at a limit of detection of 0.01 % — the same value as the specification limit. EFSA quotes the European Pharmacopoeia commentary: earlier reports of safrole in star anise oil may have arisen because safrole has a similar Rf value to foeniculin on the TLC plate; safrole is a typical constituent of oil from the fruit of Illicium anisatum (shikimi), known as an adulterant of star anise.
- Maximum contents in mg/kg complete feed: salmonids 83.8; calves for fattening up to 6 months 83.3; sheep and goats for fattening and cattle and other ruminants for fattening 73.3; pigs for fattening 40.0; pigs for fattening of minor Suidae 33.3; Leporidae for fattening 29.3; turkeys for fattening 24.8; chickens for fattening 18.5; ornamental fish 6.5; dogs 1.9; cats, Equidae and other sheep and goats 1.6; Suidae for reproduction and other ruminants 1.0; laying and reared-for-laying poultry, ornamental birds, piglets, other Leporidae and other species 0.6. EFSA gave 33.3 mg/kg for piglets and other Suidae for meat production; the act assigns 0.6 mg/kg to piglets.
- Because of estragole (≥ 1 %) the oil is classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and cancer; EFSA recommended that oil for feed should contain as little estragole as possible, as the applicant’s data show that it can be produced with a reduced content. The additive is used only via a premixture, when combined with other additives the sum of p-allylalkoxybenzenes (methyleugenol, estragole, elemicin, safrole, myristicin, dillapiole, apiole) must stay below the level resulting from the authorised additive with the highest content of them at its maximum dose, and respiratory, eye and skin protection is required. Additive and premixtures made under the old rules before 11 April 2027, feed for food-producing animals before 11 October 2027 and other feed before 11 October 2028 may be used until stocks are exhausted.