The European Commission has adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1859, published on 30 July 2026, renewing the authorisation of taurine as a nutritional additive in feed for Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae, carnivorous finfish and other aquatic carnivorous species, while repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/722. The updated text introduces new maximum contents and strengthens safety requirements for operators across the pet food sector.
The regulation recalls that taurine was previously authorised for ten years, and that EFSA concluded in its opinion of 24 June 2025 that “the preparation of taurine remains safe for Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish” under the existing conditions. EFSA also noted that taurine is “a skin and eye irritant, and a skin and respiratory sensitiser”, meaning exposure represents a risk and requires appropriate protective measures for workers.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory maximum contents for certain species. The Commission states that “a margin of safety could not be provided” for dogs, mustelids and carnivorous finfish, leading to the establishment of new limits:
- 2,000 mg/kg in complete feed for Canidae and Mustelidae,
- 25,000 mg/kg for carnivorous finfish and other aquatic carnivorous species, while no maximum content is set for Felidae, and the additive may also be used via water for drinking for this species.
The annex clarifies the composition of the additive, which must contain “a minimum of 97% taurine”, and lists the official analytical methods for determining taurine in feed, premixtures and water.
The regulation also introduces transitional measures, allowing products manufactured and labelled before August 2026 to remain on the market until stocks are exhausted, with different deadlines depending on species and product type.
