Mycotoxins in animal feed: EU updates reference values

Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1801 of 24 July 2026 has been published.   on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and fumonisins in feed (OJ L, 28.7.2026).

The new text replaces Recommendations 2006/576/EC and 2013/165/EU and introduces updated reference values, applicable from 1 July 2027 (from 1 October 2027 for maize, sorghum, soybeans and sunflower).

Why the legislation is changing

Since 2006 (and since 2013 for T-2 and HT-2 toxins) the reference values for mycotoxins in feed have remained substantially unchanged.
Since then , EFSA has published a series of new scientific opinions (between 2017 and 2023) that have enabled it to establish more up-to-date benchmarks for adverse effects on animal health —in some cases more stringent, for example for deoxynivalenol in horses, broilers and turkeys, for fumonisins in poultry and horses, and for T-2/HT-2 toxins in sheep and cattle.

The Commission has therefore decided to completely revise the framework, replacing the two previous acts with a single new text.

The main news for companies

1. New reference values, more detailed and differentiated by species
The attached tables update the limits for five mycotoxins — deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2+HT-2 toxins, and fumonisins B1+B2 — both for raw materials (cereals, maize, soybeans, oilseeds, sugar beet products, silage, forage meals, etc.) and for complete feed, with specific thresholds for numerous animal categories (pigs, calves, lambs, kids, dogs, cats, horses, poultry, turkeys, ducks, leporids, fur animals, aquatic animals, dairy and fattening ruminants).

2. Obligation to integrate into HACCP systems
Feed business operators are encouraged to implement these reference values within their HACCP system, identifying them as critical limits at critical control points to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the risk of mycotoxins.

3. Simultaneous analysis and co-occurrence monitoring
It is recommended that samples be analyzed simultaneously for all five mycotoxins to assess the degree of co-occurrence—an important consideration because multiple toxins present together can have combined effects on animal health.

4. Complementary feeds: proportional calculation
For complementary feeds, the reference value must be calculated in proportion to the amount foreseen in the daily ration, without however exceeding the level resulting from the reference value of the raw materials used.

5. Transparency and information obligations along the supply chain
In the event that the reference values are exceeded , operators must provide the purchaser with clear information on the mycotoxin content of the products placed on the market, to ensure compliance with the health and fair quality requirements set out in Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009.

For feed intended for direct administration to animals , in case of exceedance, a risk assessment must be carried out to ensure compliance with feed safety requirements (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), applying risk mitigation measures if necessary.
Raw material suppliers must provide compound feed manufacturers with sufficient information on the mycotoxin content, taking into account contractual practices already in use between companies.

6. Reporting data to EFSA
Member States and food and feed operators are invited to submit monitoring data from the previous year to EFSA by 30 June each year, according to the Standard Sample Description (SSD) for food and feed.

7. Mandatory precautionary measures in case of exceeding
Feed exceeding the reference values can only be placed on the market or used if operators and farmers adopt precautionary measures to protect animal health; Member States are required to monitor their effective implementation.

What companies need to do now

1. Update HACCP plans and purchasing specifications with the new reference values, differentiated by raw material and target animal species.
2. Review sampling and analysis protocols, including simultaneous testing for all five mycotoxins.
3. Formalize information flows with suppliers (contracts, technical data sheets, analysis certificates) to ensure the traceability of mycotoxin levels throughout the supply chain.
4. Plan your adjustment early : The new values apply from 1 July 2027, with an extension to 1 October 2027 for maize, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seeds and their derivatives – a useful margin to adjust internal procedures, supply contracts and quality control systems.

In summary

Although it is a recommendation - and therefore has no direct binding effect - the document defines the reference standard that Member States, control authorities and the market will use to evaluate the acceptability of raw materials and feed .

Feed companies and livestock farmers are therefore required to align themselves with the new values promptly, avoiding commercial and non-compliance risks when the new thresholds become effective.