Perlite authorised as an anticaking feed additive: characterisation by XRD and XRF, nickel up to 2.48 mg/kg, respirable crystalline silica up to 1%, free of asbestos
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2072 of 17 September 2026, published on 18 September, the Commission authorised expanded perlite as an anticaking agent in feed for poultry for fattening and reared for laying or breeding, ornamental birds, piglets and pigs for fattening, up to 20 000 mg/kg of complete feed. The authorisation is valid until 8 October 2036.
- Additive 1i599 consists of at least 95.0% expanded perlite (amorphous aluminosilicate volcanic glass) and at most 1% sodium and potassium feldspars; CAS 93763-70-3, EC No 618-970-4. Impurities: nickel ≤ 2.48 mg/kg, respirable crystalline silica ≤ 1%, “free of asbestos” with a footnote indicating transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For characterisation of the additive the regulation specifies X-ray diffraction (XRD, EN 13925) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF, EN ISO 12677); method details are provided by the EU reference laboratory for feed additives.
- In the EFSA opinion (EFSA Journal 2025;23:e9781) XRPD analysis of five batches gave on average 96.60% perlite (96.00–97.50%), 0.09% feldspars, 0.24% quartz and 0.05% cristobalite, and XRF 75.58% SiO2 and 13.10% Al2O3. Nickel was 2.32–2.48 mg/kg in three batches and 4.1–4.5 mg/kg in the dust; crystalline silica 0.036–0.139%, and asbestos (fibres > 0.2 µm) was not detected in five batches.
- Particle size measurement by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in five batches yielded no numerical values because the software could not establish the autocorrelation function; according to the applicant the particles and their aggregates may exceed the DLS range. SEM-EDX showed grains made of aggregates and agglomerates up to several hundred micrometres. The dusting potential (Stauber-Heubach) was 7841–8150 mg/m3, and homogeneity in chicken, pig and cattle feed had a coefficient of variation of 6.1–7.0%.
- EFSA concluded that the additive is safe for consumers and the environment and, for animals, at 20 000 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets, extrapolated to the other authorised categories; no conclusion could be drawn for other species, which the applicant withdrew from the application. Because of nickel the additive is considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser; the regulation requires procedures and organisational measures and, where risks cannot be eliminated, skin and respiratory protection, with particular attention to EU rules on worker exposure to crystalline silica and nickel. EFSA also verified the EU reference laboratory report on methods for controlling perlite in feed.