EU Approves New Feed Additives for Aquaculture

In a prominent position in the recent Official Journal of the European Union, we noticed a remarkable announcement. According to the Official Journal, on June 26, 2024, the European Commission officially issued a new regulation, (EU) 2024/1755, based on the earlier Regulation (EC) No 1833/2003 of the European Parliament and the Council, aimed at regulating and authorizing the use of certain substances as feed additives for animals. Of particular note, the approved additives include acetic acid, calcium acetate, and sodium diacetate, and they will be specifically used in fish feed.

Let's delve deeper into these three additives. Acetic acid, as an organic acid, is widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and preservative. Calcium acetate, the product of the combination of acetic acid and calcium ions, inherits the preservative properties of acetic acid while also providing the necessary mineral elements for the feed. Sodium diacetate, also a preservative, has promising applications in the aquaculture industry.

According to the regulation issued by the European Commission, these three additives are explicitly classified as "technological additives" with the functional group of "preservatives." This means that their primary function is to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the feed, extending its shelf life, and ensuring that the fish receive fresh, nutrient-rich food upon consumption. Furthermore, the regulation provides detailed conditions for the use of these additives, including the permitted amounts and methods of use, to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

It is worth noting that the EU's approval process for feed additives is highly stringent. Before authorizing these additives, the European Commission conducted extensive evaluations and studies to ensure that they do not pose any negative impacts on animal health, nor do they threaten the environment or human health. Additionally, the regulation specifies the authorization period, which is from the date of publication until July 16, 2034. This means that for the next ten years, European aquaculture farmers can legally use these additives to improve the rearing conditions of their fish.

The release of this new regulation is undoubtedly good news for the European aquaculture industry. It not only can improve the quality and shelf life of the feed, but also reduce the costs of farming, while enhancing the growth environment and health of the fish. With the formal entry into force of this regulation (20 days after publication), we have reason to believe that the European aquaculture industry will witness more prosperous and sustainable development. Additionally, this regulation will provide valuable insights and references for the global aquaculture industry.