Vermiculite in poultry feed 2026: what manufacturers and farms must do

Key data

Feed manufacturers for poultry in the European Union now have the green light to incorporate vermiculite as a technological additive in their formulations. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1234, published on June 12, 2026 and in force since June 11, establishes the exact conditions under which this mineral can be used in feed intended for three categories of birds: broiler chickens, chickens raised for laying or breeding and hens.

This authorization is neither optional nor gradual: as it is a European implementing regulation, it is directly applicable in all Member States without the need for national transposition. Anyone who already uses or wants to use vermiculite in their feed must comply with these conditions from now on.

What does this regulation establish?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as an anti-caking agent or flow agent in the manufacture of compound feed. Its technological function is to improve fluidity and prevent powdered ingredients from caking during production and storage.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1234 bindingly sets the following elements for its use as an additive:

The regulation does not require manufacturers to use vermiculite, but rather regulates the conditions under which they can do so. Anyone who decides to incorporate it must strictly comply with the maximum doses, conditions of use and labeling requirements established by the standard.

Economic and operational impact

For companies in the sector, this regulation has two readings: an opportunity and a compliance obligation.

Opportunity: The authorization opens the door to using a technological additive that can improve the efficiency of the feed production process, reduce caking problems and optimize fluidity in manufacturing lines. This can translate into improvements in operations and the quality of the final product.

Obligation: Any manufacturer that incorporates vermiculite in its formulations must:

• Adapt technical sheets and formulations to reflect the use of the additive within authorized limits.
• Update the labeling of feed containing vermiculite in accordance with the regulation's requirements.
• Review technical documentation and quality control records to demonstrate compliance with maximum doses.
• Ensure that vermiculite suppliers provide the mineral with appropriate specifications for use in animal feed.

Non-compliance with the established conditions may result in sanctions and market withdrawal of non-compliant products, with the consequent economic and reputational impact for the company.

Who does it affect?

• Compound feed manufacturers that produce or want to produce feed for broiler chickens, chickens raised for laying or breeding and hens.
• Poultry integrators that manage the production chain from feed to farm.
• Poultry farms that manufacture their own feed on farm and use technological additives.
• Suppliers and distributors of vermiculite for use in animal feed, who must ensure that their product meets the required specifications.
• Quality and regulatory managers in companies in the sector who must update technical and labeling documentation.

Practical example

A compound feed manufacturer that produces feed for broiler chickens and wants to incorporate vermiculite as an anti-caking agent in its production line must follow this specific process:

1. Verify that the vermiculite it acquires from its supplier meets the technical specifications for use as an additive in animal feed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2026/1234.
2. Reformulate the feed respecting the maximum permitted doses set out in the regulation for the "broiler chickens" category.
3. Update the feed label to include vermiculite as a technological additive, with the name and data required by the standard.
4. Document the use of the additive in its quality control and traceability system, so that in an inspection it can demonstrate compliance with the conditions of use.

If the manufacturer was already marketing feed with vermiculite before this authorization, it must verify that the previous conditions of use comply with those now established. Otherwise, it must adapt the formulation before continuing to market the product.

What should companies do now?

1. Review whether you use or plan to use vermiculite in feed for broiler chickens, chickens raised for laying or breeding or hens. If so, the regulation applies to you from June 11, 2026.
2. Consult the maximum doses and conditions of use established in Regulation (EU) 2026/1234 for each bird category and verify that your current or planned formulations comply with them.
3. Update the labeling of feed containing vermiculite to comply with the specific labeling requirements of the regulation.
4. Review technical documentation (product sheets, quality control records, supplier specifications) to demonstrate compliance in the event of an inspection.
5. Inform your production and quality team about the new conditions of use of the additive to avoid deviations in the plant.
6. Verify with your vermiculite suppliers that the mineral supplied meets the specifications required for use in animal feed under this authorization.

Non-compliance with the regulation's conditions may result in sanctions and withdrawal from the market of non-compliant feed batches. Acting now minimizes that risk.

Official source

Consult the complete regulation in the official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601234