Tocopherols as feed antioxidants until 2036: Regulation (EU) 2026/2084 links vegetable oil extracts to zearalenone guidance values, and EFSA points to high results from one producer
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2084 of 18 September 2026, published on 21 September, renews until 11 October 2036 the authorisation of tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils (1b306i), tocopherol-rich (delta-rich) extracts from vegetable oils (1b306ii) and alpha-tocopherol (1b307) as technological additives — antioxidants — for all animal species, with no minimum or maximum content. It repeals Regulation (EU) 2015/1152.
- Specification: tocopherol extracts — total alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols at least 30%; delta-rich extracts — total tocopherols at least 80%, of which delta at least 70%; alpha-tocopherol (all-rac, CAS 10191-41-0, chemically synthesised) — at least 96%. For extracts from vegetable oils the impurity zearalenone is listed: the oils must come from maize and oilseeds meeting the zearalenone guidance values for feed.
- Methods of analysis: tocopherol forms in the additive — gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID, AOAC 988.14), and for alpha-tocopherol GC-FID with identification tests under European Pharmacopoeia monograph 0692; in premixtures and compound feed — HPLC with UV or fluorescence detection under Regulation (EC) No 152/2009. The EU reference laboratory considered the earlier method evaluation (verified by EFSA on 12 June 2012) still valid.
- EFSA (opinion of 27 January 2026) concluded that the additives remain safe for animals, consumers and the environment. It found impurity levels of no concern with one exception: zearalenone measured by one producer in a product with at least 90% tocopherol exceeded the guidance values recommended by the Commission, and the panel recommended attention and monitoring during production.
- For users, EFSA considers the additives potential skin and respiratory sensitisers, and inhalation and dermal exposure a risk; eye irritation could not be concluded for lack of data. Feed business operators must put in place procedures limiting exposure and, where that is not enough, skin, eye and respiratory protection.