Only feed additives which are authorised may be placed on the market, processed or used. Read our information on the legislation which applies to feed additives. A definition of feed additives is available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.
Feed additives that are not authorised can only be used in a scientific trial if an application is submitted and approved by either the FSA or FSS.
Before the UK left the EU, the FSA was responsible for authorising animal feed trials on behalf of the UK. After the EU exit, the responsibility for approving trials in Great Britain was transferred to the relevant Ministers.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) 1831/2003) Article 3 (2) ‘For experiments for scientific purposes, the appropriate authority (i.e. Ministers) may authorise the use, as additives, of substances which are not authorised, with the exception of antibiotics, provided that the experiments are carried out in accordance with the principles and conditions laid down in Regulation 767/2009 or the guidance set out in in Article 7(4) of this Regulation and provided that there is adequate official supervision. The animals concerned may be used for food production only if the authorities (i.e. FSA/FSS and Ministers) establish that this will have no adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment’.
The final decision to authorise a trial and to allow animals from the trial to enter the food chain lies with the Minister. In Northern Ireland, the responsibility for approving trials belongs to the FSA.
These trials apply specifically to feed additives. They do not cover other types of feed, such as feed materials, which can be used on the market without needing authorisation.
For coccidiostats, histomonostats, or any other substance that may be classed as a veterinary medicine under The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, please refer to the relevant websites listed at the end of this guidance.