Share your thoughts: Proposed amended livestock feed ingredients – Yeast biomasses from fermentation processes

Current status: Open

Opened on March 6, 2026 and closes on April 20, 2026

About the consultation

We are seeking comments on these amended and reclassified single ingredient feed (SIF) descriptions:

• yeast biomass dehydrated (also known as yeast primary dehydrated)
• yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated)

In addition, we are seeking comments on this amended SIF description:

• yeast torula dehydrated

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 detailed reviews for 2 existing yeast-based SIF descriptions: yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated). The review of these SIF descriptions was part of our ongoing review of the yeast-based SIF descriptions found in the CFIT.

As a result, we have identified that the current descriptions for both SIFs need to be amended, and these SIFs need to be reclassified in the CFIT based on their approved purpose (as a source of protein).

In addition, we have identified that yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated) have been classified incorrectly in the CFIT. Currently, these SIFs are classified and listed in subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products non viable) in class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) of part 1 of the CFIT. However, these SIFs were assessed and approved as a source of protein.

Therefore, we recommend that both SIFs are moved from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products non viable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 1 of the CFIT to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation processes) of class 3 (Protein feeds) in part 1 of the CFIT and the amended SIF descriptions replace the current SIF descriptions in the CFIT, accordingly.

In addition, we have identified that minor amendments need to be made to the existing description for yeast torula dehydrated to align with the standardized wording that has been added to the amended yeast-based descriptions, yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated), which we are proposing to add to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation processes) of the CFIT.

Therefore, we recommend the amended description for yeast torula dehydrated replace the existing description in the CFIT, accordingly.

Amended and reclassified SIF descriptions

We intend to reclassify and amend the existing SIF description for yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated). We intend to reclassify yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and move this SIF from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products non viable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) of part 1 of the CFIT to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation process) of class 3 (Protein feeds) of part 1 of the CFIT, to reflect its approved purpose as a source of protein. Note that this SIF is not meant to be a source of viable cells.

This description is to be amended to:

• update the main SIF name to "yeast biomass dehydrated" to clearly identify this SIF as being yeast biomass, and to align with the revised SIF name for yeast culture dehydrated (renamed to yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated)
  • keep "yeast primary dehydrated" as an alternative name because of its historical use and its listing in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication (OP)
• add/include some of the standardized wording used in the amended descriptions for similar yeast SIFs, particularly the amended descriptions for yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated and yeast torula dehydrated
  • adding standardized wording for good manufacturing practices and that the SIF shall not contain extraneous materials, which are commonly found in descriptions where the SIFs are produced through fermentation processes
  • removing the term "botanical"
• specify the species of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the description and the required labelling statement
• update the required label guarantees by:
  • removing the required label guarantee for maximum percent crude fibre as the fibre content is relatively low in the final SIF

The amended description is:

The ingredient number will be amended to reflect that this SIF has been moved from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products nonviable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) of part 1 of the CFIT to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation process) of class 3 (Protein feeds) of part 1 of the CFIT. This is a reclassification and amendment of the existing SIF description.

We also intend to reclassify and amend the existing SIF description for yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated). We intend to reclassify this SIF description and move this SIF from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products nonviable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) of part 1 of the CFIT to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation process) of class 3 (Protein feeds) of part 1 of the CFIT, to reflect its approved purpose as a source of protein. Note that this SIF is not meant to be a source of viable cells.

This description is to be amended to:

• revise the SIF name to "yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated" to address the following:
  • clearly identify this SIF as being yeast biomass
  • indicate it contains residual medium, which is different from yeast biomass dehydrated (also known as yeast primary dehydrated)
  • remove the term "culture" from the approved SIF name, since "culture" is normally used to indicate that the SIF is a source of viable microbial cells
• add/include some of the standardized wording used in the amended descriptions for similar yeast SIFs, particularly the amended descriptions for yeast biomass dehydrated and yeast torula dehydrated
  • adding standardized wording for good manufacturing practices and that the SIF shall not contain extraneous materials, which are commonly found in descriptions where the SIFs are produced through fermentation processes
  • removing the term "botanical"
• specify the species of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the description and the required labelling statement

The amended description is:

The ingredient number will be amended to reflect that this SIF has been moved from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products nonviable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) of part 1 of the CFIT to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation process) of class 3 (Protein feeds) of part 1 of the CFIT. This is a reclassification and amendment of the existing SIF description.

Finally, we intend to amend the existing SIF description for yeast torula dehydrated (1-304-001) by adding standardized wording for good manufacturing practices and that the SIF shall not contain extraneous materials, which are commonly found in descriptions where the SIFs are produced through fermentation processes. This amendment is to align with wording in the amended descriptions for yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, which are being reclassified to also appear in subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation processes).

The amended description is:

Additional information

Yeast biomass dehydrated

We are proposing that the approved name for "yeast primary dehydrated" be revised to "yeast biomass dehydrated", with "yeast primary dehydrated" as an alternate name. The yeast biomass dehydrated name clearly identifies the SIF as being a biomass. The "yeast primary dehydrated" name is being maintained as an alternate name for this ingredient to allow alignment with its name used in other jurisdictions and organizations, such as AAFCO.

The required guarantees for yeast biomass dehydrated are being amended to remove the requirement for a guarantee for maximum percent crude fibre. This SIF has a purpose of being a source of protein and typically does not have high levels of fibre. As such, the requirement for a guarantee for maximum percent crude fibre is being removed.

Yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated

We are proposing that the approved SIF name for yeast culture dehydrated be revised to "yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated". There are multiple reasons for this proposed name change. First, it removes the term "culture" that is typically only used in approved SIF names for viable microbial strains where the SIF is intended as a source of viable cells. Second, it clearly identifies the SIF as being a biomass. Third, it indicates the presence of residual medium, which differentiates this SIF from yeast biomass dehydrated (also known as yeast primary dehydrated).

Since some sources of yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated) contain higher levels of crude fibre, the label guarantee for maximum percent crude fibre will continue to be required for this SIF.

These reclassified and amended yeast-based SIF descriptions, yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, are the result of our findings of the project to update yeast-based descriptions found in the CFIT, including yeast-based descriptions found in subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products nonviable). We had identified yeast-based SIF descriptions that needed to be amended or that needed to be reclassified (based on their intended purpose) and amended. The project updated how these yeast-based ingredients are named and described in the CFIT to ensure accuracy of the descriptions and to clarify the intended approved purpose(s) of these yeast-based SIFs.

For yeast-based SIF descriptions and classifications within the CFIT that were found not to align with the known purpose of the SIF during this CFIT review project, the SIF description was amended and reclassified. For a SIF to be considered approved, the ingredient must meet all aspects of the SIF description, including purpose. For example, as yeast biomass dehydrated has the purpose of being a source of protein, it is being reclassified from subclass 6.21 (Fermentation products nonviable) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation processes) of class 3 (Protein feeds). Protein feeds are approved as a significant source of protein in the total diet and the directions for use, as well as their inclusion rate in formulations, should reflect the approved purpose. Note, yeast biomass dehydrated had historically been intended to be approved as a protein source and the proposed reclassification to subclass 3.4 (Biomass from fermentation processes) reflects this approved purpose. Any SIF description that has been amended or reclassified as part of this CFIT review project has undergone public consultation prior to any changes being made in the CFIT.

Note, yeast biomass dehydrated, yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, and yeast torula dehydrated would also be considered appropriate for use as carriers in the formulation of mixed feeds. Similarly, other yeast-based ingredients listed in class 3 (Protein feeds) of the CFIT, such as yeast brewers dehydrated and yeast brewers liquid, could be used as carriers in the formulation of mixed feeds. As defined in the Feeds Regulations, 2024 (and defined in the CFIT glossary), a carrier "means a single ingredient feed or water used to facilitate the handling of a feed and its incorporation into ingredient market formulations, premixes, feed or water. The use of a carrier does not alter the feed's intended effect and purpose."

If a proponent wishes to have a SIF approved for a new purpose, a pre-market application for approval must be submitted with supporting data to demonstrate that the SIF is safe and effective for the new purpose. If the outcome of the pre-market evaluation is positive, a new description for the ingredient with that purpose will be prepared and will undergo consultation prior to being added to the CFIT.

Since yeast biomass dehydrated, yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, and yeast torula dehydrated are part 1 SIFs, companies will have 6 months from the time these amended and/or reclassified descriptions are added to the CFIT to update their labels to reflect any required changes. For registered sources of yeast biomass dehydrated, yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, and yeast torula dehydrated, companies will have until their next renewal cycle to update their labels to reflect any changes and may be required to provide data to support the required label guarantees.

For mixed feeds containing yeast biomass dehydrated, yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated and/or yeast torula dehydrated, they may be formulated into feeds as source of protein or as a carrier. Companies can continue to formulate feeds with these SIFs for one of their intended approved purposes.

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 are welcome from industry, governments, the public, or other organizations or individuals.

How to participate

We are seeking feedback on the amended and reclassified descriptions for yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated), yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated (formerly named as yeast culture dehydrated), and the amended description for yeast torula dehydrated.

Stakeholders are encouraged to share comments if there are:

• concerns about the accuracy of the SIF descriptions
• any scientific data that should be considered before the SIFs are amended and/or reclassified

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 "yeast biomasses from fermentation processes" in the subject line of the email. We are asking for comments and feedback by April 20, 2026, 44 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 amended and reclassified descriptions for yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated), yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated, and the amended description for yeast torula dehydrated.

If significant concerns are raised, we will evaluate the additional information.

The amended and reclassified descriptions for yeast biomass dehydrated (yeast primary dehydrated) and yeast biomass with residual medium dehydrated will be added to the CFIT at the next update.

In addition, the amended description for yeast torula dehydrated will be added to the CFIT at the next update.

Related information

• Feeds Act
• Consultations on proposed regulatory and policy changes

Contact us

Animal Feed Program (AFP)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Email: cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca