Should Eugenol and Vanillin Be Approved as Gut Modifiers in Livestock Feed?

Official title: Share your thoughts: Proposed new and amended livestock feed ingredients – Eugenol and vanillin

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency wants to approve two plant-based compounds—eugenol (from clove oil) and vanillin (the vanilla flavour compound)—for a new use in livestock feed. Right now, they're only approved as flavour ingredients. The proposal would also let them be used as "gut modifiers" to improve animal digestion.

Why This Matters

This is a technical feed ingredient approval that mainly affects livestock farmers and feed manufacturers. For most Canadians, the impact is indirect—these compounds are already approved for use in animal feed as flavourings. The change expands what they can be used for.

What Could Change

If approved, eugenol and vanillin will be added to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table as gut modifier ingredients. Feed manufacturers could then use these compounds in specialty feed products designed to improve livestock digestion. The maximum amounts allowed won't change from current flavouring limits.

Key Issues

  • Should eugenol and vanillin be approved for use as gut modifier components in livestock feed?
  • Should the existing descriptions for eugenol and vanillin as flavour ingredients be amended to standardize wording?

How to Participate

  1. Review the proposed feed ingredient descriptions and the Feeds Regulations, 2024 for context.
  2. Submit comments to the Animal Feed Program at cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

What Happened

The consultation has closed. The CFIA will review all comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, the approval will be finalized and the new descriptions will be added to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table at the next update. A "what we heard" report summarizing feedback will be published.

Key Documents