Vermiculite as an anticaking agent in feed for hens and chickens: XRD and XRF for characterisation, PLM microscopy confirms absence of asbestos, crystalline silica ≤ 0.06 %, nickel ≤ 148 mg/kg
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1234 of 11 June 2026, published on 12 June, authorises until 2 July 2036 vermiculite (magnesium-aluminium-iron silicate, ≥ 87.0 %) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying or breeding and hens, at 10 000 mg/kg feed. EFSA noted that efficacy was shown at 10 000 mg/kg, above the level safe for piglets and pigs for fattening (5000 mg/kg) — the authorisation covers only hens and chickens.
- Methods: XRD (EN 13925) and XRF (EN ISO 12677) for characterisation of the additive; the absence of asbestos is confirmed by polarised light microscopy (PLM) and dispersion staining microscopy. In five batches vermiculite made up 87.0–96.6 % (mean 89.7 %), diopside 2.4–8.1 %, hydroxyapatite 1.0–4.9 %; four batches had 87.0–88.7 % vermiculite.
- Impurities in three batches: fluorine 864–997 mg/kg, copper 258–468 mg/kg, chromium 193–199 mg/kg, nickel 135–148 mg/kg, lead 4.1–5.8 mg/kg; cadmium and mercury below the limit of detection. No cristobalite was found (LOD < 0.01 %), crystalline silica was 0.02–0.06 %, and SEM showed a fraction of small particles including nanoparticles.
- The applicant checked whether the additive interferes with mycotoxin analysis: corn meal (aflatoxins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins B1 + B2) and barley, rice and corn meal (zearalenone) were analysed with 10 000 mg/kg vermiculite added 2 h before analysis and without it — the results did not differ.
- Specification: nickel ≤ 148 mg/kg, crystalline silica ≤ 0.06 %, chromium ≤ 199 mg/kg, free of asbestos. EFSA considered the additive a skin and respiratory sensitiser, and the specific provisions draw attention to protecting workers against inhalation of crystalline silica and nickel. When used directly in feed materials or complementary feed — at least 10 000 mg/kg.