ISSUE FOCUS 46 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2025 Microorganisms are being increasingly recognized for their benefits in animal feed, enhancing animal health and productivity. A new draft of EFSA’s guidance on microorganisms introduces significant regulatory changes, including new categories and testing considerations. While these changes offer opportunities for innovation, they may pose challenges for those unprepared. USE OF MICROORGANISMS IN ANIMAL FEED: New Guidance, New Challenges, and How to Overcome Them Microorganisms as feed additives are being increasingly recognized for their role in enhancing gut function and productivity. Under EU regulation 1831/2003, ‘microorganisms’— which include bacteria, yeasts, and other microbial species — are primarily classified as zootechnical feed additives, although they can also be grouped under technological feed additives (as preservatives and silage additives). Within the zootechnical category, microorganisms can have a range of functions (Table 1) but are most commonly approved as gut-flora stabilizers. Additionally, microorganisms can be used as production strains for the manufacture of other feed additives such as enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, etc. Beyond their technological functions and animal gut health benefits, microorganisms also offer advantages for developers. Zootechnical feed additive authorizations, including those for microorganisms, are holder-specific, meaning that, for ten years, only the applicant (and those they license By Argenta with the participation of Flavia De Marta, Business Development Manager and Andrew Bell, PhD, Regulatory Affairs Manager
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