EFSA Finds Lavender Tincture Feed Additive Safe for All Animals

On August 4, 2025, EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Products in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) released a scientific opinion on a lavender flower tincture used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The panel concluded that this lavender tincture is safe for target animals, consumers, and the environment at the proposed usage levels. The tincture, derived from Lavandula angustifolia flowers, is intended to add flavor to feed, similar to its use in human foods. EFSA determined there is no need to further prove efficacy since flavoring in feed works the same way as in food. They did calculate maximum safe inclusion rates for various animals – for example, up to 60 mg/kg in complete feed for poultry, around 130 mg/kg for pigs, and higher levels for fish and pets – with no adverse effects observed at those levels. However, EFSA noted user safety precautions: the lavender tincture can irritate skin and eyes and act as a respiratory sensitizer, and it contains a tiny fraction of methyleugenol, so handlers should minimize exposure (e.g. wear protection) when mixing feed. Overall, EFSA’s opinion supports approving the lavender tincture as a feed additive across animal species, provided good practices are followed.