Should a New Feed Colouring Ingredient for Chickens Be Approved?

Official title: Share your thoughts: Proposed new livestock feed ingredient –Saponified marigold and paprika oleoresin

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency asked whether to approve a new feed ingredient made from marigold and paprika extracts. It would be used to colour chicken skin, meat, and egg yolks. The agency's evaluation found it safe for animals, workers, and the environment.

Why This Matters

Ever wonder why some egg yolks are more orange than others? Feed additives like this one affect the colour of chicken products you buy. If you eat chicken or eggs, this decision touches your plate—even if you never think about it.

What Could Change

If approved, this ingredient will be added to Canada's official list of approved feed ingredients. Poultry producers could then use it to make chicken skin, meat, and egg yolks more colourful. The ingredient must carry a worker safety warning about potential eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Key Issues

  • Should saponified marigold and paprika oleoresin be approved as a new feed ingredient?
  • Is the proposed ingredient description accurate and complete?
  • Are there any safety concerns not addressed by the evaluation?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. The comment period ran from July 9 to August 8, 2025. Contact cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca for questions about the outcome.

What Happened

The consultation has closed. The CFIA stated they will review all comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, they will finalize the approval and add the ingredient to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table at the next update. A 'what we heard' report summarizing feedback will be published.

Key Documents