dsm-firmenich expands Hy-D® EU approval to aquaculture
Hy-D® can now be used commercially in aquaculture across the European Union, effective from December 31, 2025.
NETHERLANDS – dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has secured a major regulatory milestone after the European Commission granted new European Union authorisation for Hy-D®, a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) nutritional additive.
This additive is available for use in salmonids, other fish species, and all other animal species, significantly expanding its application in aquaculture.
The authorisation, based on a positive safety and efficacy assessment by the European Food Safety Authority, applies to Hy-D® produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 146008 and marks the first time 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has been approved for use in salmonids and all aquatic species within the EU.
Hy-D® had previously been authorised for pigs, poultry and ruminants in 2024.
The decision means Hy-D® can now be used commercially as a nutritional additive in aquaculture and all animal feed across the European Union, effective from December 31, 2025.
According to dsm-firmenich, the authorisation represents a significant step forward for European aquaculture, where regulatory approval of vitamin D metabolites has historically been limited.
EFSA confirmed that Hy-D®, produced through the company’s proprietary yeast-based process, is safe and effective for all animal species, as well as for consumers, users and the environment.
Hy-D® is an innovative vitamin D₃ metabolite designed to support optimal levels of 25-OH-D₃ in animals. The company says its use can deliver broad benefits across animal health and welfare, performance and productivity, and overall food quality, with proper application contributing to improved well-being and output.
Emrah Mazi, Head of Special Nutrients at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, described the decision as a turning point for the additive’s global reach.
“This new EU authorisation for Hy-D® is a significant milestone, underscoring its global relevance and reliability as a source of vitamin D for aquaculture and all animal species,” Mazi said.
“We are thrilled about the opportunities this brings for our customers across Europe and beyond, empowering them to advance animal health and performance with confidence.”
Implications for European aquaculture
From an aquaculture perspective, the approval is expected to unlock new nutritional strategies for European fish producers, particularly in salmonid farming.
Dr. Benedict Standen, Head of Marketing for Aquaculture at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, said the benefits of Hy-D® have already been demonstrated in other regions.
“EU authorisation for Hy-D® represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity to bring real benefits to European aquaculture, which have already been seen in commercial aquaculture operations around the world,” Standen said. “These include improvements in growth, immunity and enhanced product quality.”
The company noted that the authorisation caps a 25-year journey to bring Hy-D® to all animal species in the European Union, aligning with its broader mission to deliver safe, effective and sustainable nutritional solutions.
dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health operates as part of dsm-firmenich, which announced in 2024 plans to seek a new owner for its Animal Nutrition & Health business, including its vitamins portfolio.
Despite the planned ownership transition, the company continues to position itself as a global leader in animal nutrition, health, vitamins, carotenoids and aroma ingredients, with Hy-D® now approved for use across the full spectrum of EU animal production systems.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
Be the first to leave a comment