"Compound Identified: Astaxanthin (2a161j)"
In a significant development for the feed additive industry, the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) has endorsed a recommended method for determining astaxanthin in premixtures and compound feed. The method, known as EN 17550, is based on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (RP-HPLC-UV).
The EURL's recommendation comes as part of the feed additive authorization and renewal process under Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. This process requires the submission of validated methods for astaxanthin determination to the EURL for evaluation and recommendation for official control use in the EU.
The EN 17550 method is designed to ensure specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility in the quantification of astaxanthin and its isomers in complex feed matrices. It typically involves chromatographic techniques, such as HPLC, sample preparation steps to extract astaxanthin efficiently, and the use of reference standards to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
While the exact analytical technique recommended by the EURL for astaxanthin determination in premixtures and compound feeds was not explicitly detailed in the search results, it is implied that the Commission and EURL have established validated, official control methods as part of the regulatory framework for feed additives like astaxanthin.
The applicant seeking renewal of authorization for astaxanthin under the category 2 "sensory additives", functional group (a) "colourants" has proposed a maximum content of astaxanthin corresponding to 100 mg/kg of active substance in compound feed. The feed additive contains astaxanthin with a minimum purity of 96% of total colouring matter and is intended for use as a feed additive for fish, crustaceans, and ornamental fish.
It is worth noting that further testing or validation of the methods is not considered necessary as per Article 10 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005, as last amended by Regulation (EU) 2015/1761). This aligns with standard regulatory practice for feed additive renewals.
The EURL is also aware of the recent publication of the multi-analyte, ring-trial validated method EN 17550 for the determination of carotenoids in animal feedingstuffs. However, the EURL has recommended a different method, the ring-trial validated spectrophotometric method, for the determination of astaxanthin in the feed additive preparations.
This development underscores the EU's commitment to maintaining high standards in the feed additive industry and ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The EN 17550 method will facilitate enforcement of authorized use levels and contribute to the safety and efficacy of astaxanthin as a feed additive in the EU.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the endorsement of EN 17550 by the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) signals a significant advancement in the science of feed additive industry, particularly for astaxanthin supplementation in nutrition.
- This method, based on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (RP-HPLC-UV), is designed to ensure specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility in the quantification of astaxanthin and its isomers, contributing to the safety and efficacy of astaxanthin as a feed additive in the EU health-and-wellness sector.
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