Current status: Open
Opened on May 12, 2026 and will close to the new input on June 12, 2026
About the consultation
We are seeking comments on the proposed new single ingredient feed (SIF) description for encapsulated zinc oxide for a new purpose (source of dietary zinc).
Background
The Feeds Regulations, 2024 require a proponent to submit a pre-market application for new feed ingredients or SIFs that have been modified such that they differ from an approved SIF or SIFs that are for a new purpose. We evaluate the information in the application to establish that the SIF is safe, effective and labelled correctly.
Approved SIFs are listed and described in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT), which is incorporated by reference (IBR) into the Feeds Regulations, 2024. Our Incorporation by Reference Policy requires that a consultation be conducted before changes to IBR documents are made. Refer to Documents incorporated by reference under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 for additional information.
About the evaluation
Our Animal Feed Program (AFP) has completed a detailed evaluation of an application for the approval of encapsulated zinc oxide for a new purpose (as a source of zinc in livestock feeds).
The evaluation considered information related to:
- the safety of feeding this SIF to livestock with respect to animal health
- the safety of foods derived from livestock that eat this SIF
- the safety of workers/bystanders exposed to this SIF
- environmental safety
- the fit-for-purpose and efficacy of this SIF for the intended livestock species
The results of our evaluation of available scientific data support the safety and efficacy of encapsulated zinc oxide for an additional purpose, as a source of zinc in livestock feeds.
Therefore, we recommend that encapsulated zinc oxide is approved for an additional purpose and added to the CFIT, accordingly.
Proposed SIF description
We intend to add encapsulated zinc oxide under subclass 5.3 (Minerals) of class 5 (Nutritional ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT with the following description:
Encapsulated zinc oxide
is zinc oxide coated with a matrix to protect against hydrolysis by hydrochloric acid in the stomach allowing for the release of zinc oxide in the small intestine.
This ingredient is approved as a source of zinc in livestock feeds.
It shall be labelled with a guarantee for actual milligrams of zinc per kilogram.
An ingredient number will be assigned at the time this SIF description is added to the CFIT for this new purpose.
Additional information
An application was submitted to expand the purposes for which encapsulated zinc oxide may be used. Efficacy data provided showed that encapsulated zinc oxide could be used as a source of zinc for nutritional purposes in addition to its currently approved purpose as a component of gut modifier products. Therefore, a second purpose for encapsulated zinc oxide is being added to part 2 of the CFIT. Encapsulated zinc oxide will remain in part 2 of the CFIT due to variations in the manufacturing process which may impact the composition or characteristics of the final SIF product as well as its efficacy as a source of zinc for the intended livestock species.
Currently, encapsulated zinc oxide is approved as a component of gut modifier products for all livestock species (2-619-014) under subclass 6.19.6 (Gut modifier ingredients - Other) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT.
The new description for encapsulated zinc oxide will be added to part 2 of subclass 5.3 (Minerals) of class 5 (Nutritional ingredients) of the CFIT.
Who is the focus of this consultation
Animal feed stakeholders, including:
- suppliers of feed ingredients
- commercial feed manufacturers
- feed importers, distributors and retailers
- industry associations
- other government departments
- international trading partners
- veterinarians
All comments from industry, governments, the public or other organizations or individuals are welcome.
How to participate
We are seeking feedback on the proposed description for encapsulated zinc oxide for a new purpose.
Stakeholders are encouraged to share comments if there are:
- concerns about the accuracy of the SIF description
- any scientific data that should be considered before the SIF is approved
Our evaluators will review scientific questions or information for consideration in the evaluation. They will also evaluate non-scientific input and explore appropriate ways of addressing it.
Comments can be sent by email to the AFP at cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca. Please use "encapsulated zinc oxide" in the subject line of the email. We are asking for comments and feedback by June 12, 2026, 30 days from the date of this posting.
Next steps
We will review all the comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, we will finalize the approval of encapsulated zinc oxide for its new purpose as a source of zinc and issue the approval to the applicant.
If significant concerns are raised, we will evaluate the additional information.
This SIF will be added to the CFIT at the next update.
Related information
Contact us
Animal Feed Program (AFP)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Email: cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca