Share your thoughts: Proposed amended livestock feed ingredients – Carotenoid-based and carotenoid-related ingredients

Current status: Open

Opened on July 30, 2026 and will close to the new input on August 31, 2026

About the consultation

We are seeking comments on the following amended single ingredient feed (SIF) descriptions:

  • 2-616-002 Crystalline canthaxanthin
  • 2-616-003 Crystalline astaxanthin
  • 2-616-004 Crystalline beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester
  • 2-616-005 Crystalline astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate
  • 2-616-007 Phaffia rhodozyma, dehydrated
  • 2-616-008 Haematococcus algae meal, comminuted dehydrated
  • 2-616-009 Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated
  • 2-616-010 Dried micro-algae fermentation product
  • 2-616-014 Micro-algae fermentation oil
  • 2-205-007 Recuperated shrimp oil
  • 2-301-007 Krill meal
  • 2-301-008 Defatted Antarctic krill meal
  • 2-505-001 Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil
  • 2-701-001 Beeswax

In addition, we are seeking comments on the proposed deletion of:

  • 2-616-011 Krill meal from subclass 6.16 (Food modifying ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT

Krill meal (2-301-007) will remain in subclass 3.1.4 (Protein products and by-products of animal origin – Aquatic animals) of class 3 (Protein feeds) in part 2 of the CFIT.

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

As part of one of the Animal Feed Program's (AFP) CFIT review projects, we are reviewing and updating the terminology used to distinguish between SIFs that colour the livestock feed and those that colour foods of animal origin. The term "colourant" is used for SIFs, such as dyes, that colour the livestock feed. SIFs that change the colour of foods of animal origin such as the meat, skin, flesh or egg yolks, are now referred to as food modifying ingredients.

We have already updated descriptions found in subclass 6.6 (Colourants for livestock feeds) to ensure consistent use of the term "colourant". We are now updating the terminology in carotenoid-based food modifying-related SIFs found in subclass 6.16 (Food modifying ingredients) to refer to these as food modifying ingredients. We are also adding the purpose statement as a separate statement and simplifying the warning statement. As part of this CFIT review project, we also looked at SIF descriptions that had low levels of carotenoid pigments that are approved for a nutritional purpose but required label guarantees for certain carotenoid pigments. We have proposed updates to these SIFs to better reflect the required label guarantees.

The evaluation considered information related to:

  • the safety of feeding these SIFs to livestock with respect to animal health
  • the safety of foods derived from livestock that eat these SIFs
  • the safety of workers/bystanders exposed to these SIFs
  • environmental safety
  • the fit-for-purpose and efficacy of these SIFs for the intended livestock species

The results of our evaluation and review of available scientific data support the safety and efficacy of these SIFs.

Therefore, we recommend that all of these descriptions be amended and the amended SIF descriptions replace the current SIF descriptions in the CFIT.

In addition, we recommend that krill meal (2-616-011), a part 2 SIF, be removed from the CFIT as it was not approved as a food modifying ingredient. Krill meal will remain approved and listed under subclass 3.1.4 (Protein products and by-products of animal origin – Aquatic animals) of class 3 (Protein feeds) in part 2 of the CFIT with the ingredient number: 2-301-007.

Amended SIF descriptions

We intend to amend existing SIF descriptions for seven carotenoid pigments or sources of carotenoid pigments under subclass 6.16 (Food modifying ingredients) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT.

  • 2-616-002 Crystalline canthaxanthin

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement and instead place the revised purpose statement as part of the actual description to clarify the purpose of this SIF (as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of foods of animal origin)
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-002 Crystalline canthaxanthin

is the synthetic form of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin (or beta-carotene-4-4'-dione, all trans), generally expressed as C40H52O2, and having the CAS# 514-78-3.

This ingredient is approved for use as a food modifying agent for poultry to modify the colour of the skin, meat and egg yolks and for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the canthaxanthin concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statements:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains canthaxanthin which shall not exceed 30 grams of canthaxanthin per tonne of complete feed for poultry. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de la canthaxanthine, qui ne doit pas dépasser 30 grammes de canthaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour la volaille. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

"This feed contains canthaxanthin which shall not exceed 50 grams of canthaxanthin per tonne of complete feed for salmonid fish. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de la canthaxanthine, qui ne doit pas dépasser 50 grammes de canthaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram.

  • 2-616-003 Crystalline astaxanthin

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement and instead place the revised purpose statement as part of the actual description to clarify the purpose of this SIF (as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of foods of animal origin)
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-003 Crystalline astaxanthin

is the synthetic form of the carotenoid pigment astaxanthin (or (3S,3'S)-3,3'-dihydroxy-beta, beta-carotene-4-4'-dione), generally expressed as C40H52O4, and having the CAS# 472-61-7.

This ingredient is approved for use as a food modifying agent for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the astaxanthin concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains astaxanthin which shall not exceed 80 grams of astaxanthin per tonne of complete feed for salmonid fish. If astaxanthin is used in combination with canthaxanthin, the level of canthaxanthin shall not exceed 50 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de l'astaxanthine, qui ne doit pas dépasser 80 grammes d'astaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. Si l'astaxanthine est utilisée en combinaison avec la canthaxanthine le niveau de canthaxanthine ne doit pas dépasser 50 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram.

  • 2-616-004 Crystalline beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester

This description is to be amended to:

  • revise one of the SIF names in French from "Ester éthylique de l'acide bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque crystalline" to "Ester éthylique cristallin de l'acide bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque"
  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement and instead place the revised purpose statement as part of the actual description to clarify the purpose of this SIF (as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of foods of animal origin)
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF
  • revise the approved livestock species by removing salmonid fish and maintaining only poultry
    • This SIF was only approved for use in poultry feeds
  • correct the required label guarantees in French by removing "de bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque" and replacing it with "d'ester éthylique de l'acide bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque", the correct name and aligning with the English version of the description

The amended description is:

2-616-004 Crystalline beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester (or crystalline ethyl-beta-apo-8' carotenoid)

is the synthetic form of the carotenoid pigment beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester, generally expressed as C32H44O2, and having the CAS# 1109-11-1.

This ingredient is approved for use as a food modifying agent for poultry to modify the colour of the skin, meat and egg yolks.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester which shall not exceed 30 grams of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester per tonne of complete feed for poultry. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient d'ester éthylique de l'acide bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque, qui ne doit pas dépasser 30 grammes d'ester éthylique de l'acide bêta-apo-8'-caroténoïque par tonne de l'aliment complet pour la volaille. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester per kilogram.

  • 2-616-005 Crystalline astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate

This description is to be amended to:

  • revise one of the SIF names in French from "Astaxanthine diméthyle disuccinate cristalline" to "Diméthyldisuccinate d'astaxanthine cristallin"
  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement and instead place the revised purpose statement as part of the actual description to clarify the purpose of this SIF (as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of foods of animal origin)
  • include a CAS# for this SIF
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-005 Crystalline astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate (or crystalline astaxanthin DMDS)

is the synthetic dimethyldisuccinate form of the carotenoid pigment astaxanthin (or (3R,3'R)-(±)-3,3'bis(4-methoxy-1,4,dioxobutoxy)-ß,ß-carotene-4,4'dione), and generally expressed as C50H64O10, and having the CAS# 578006-46-9.

This ingredient is approved for use as a food modifying agent for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the astaxanthin concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate which shall not exceed 80 grams of astaxanthin equivalents per tonne of complete feed for salmonid fish. If astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate is used in combination with canthaxanthin, the level of canthaxanthin shall not exceed 50 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de l'astaxanthine diméthyledisuccinate, qui ne doit pas dépasser 80 grammes d'équivalents d'astaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. Si l'astaxanthine diméthyledisuccinate est utilisée en combinaison avec de canthaxanthine le niveau de canthaxanthine ne doit pas dépasser 50 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate per kilogram, maximum milligrams of astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate per kilogram, minimum milligrams of astaxanthin equivalents per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of astaxanthin equivalents per kilogram.

  • 2-616-007 Phaffia rhodozyma, dehydrated

This description is to be amended to:

  • align the approved SIF names with the approved SIF names of other fermentation product types
    • Change to Phaffia rhodozyma yeast or Phaffia rhodozyma yeast dehydrated
  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement
  • revise the purpose statement that is part of the description to clarify the purpose of this SIF as a food modifying ingredient
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-007 Phaffia rhodozyma yeast (or Phaffia rhodozyma yeast dehydrated)

is the product resulting from the heat pasteurization, mechanical homogenization and spray drying of Phaffia rhodozyma yeast cells.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of astaxanthin as a food modifying agent for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the astaxanthin concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains astaxanthin which shall not exceed 80 grams of astaxanthin per tonne of complete feed for salmonid fish. If Phaffia rhodozyma yeast is used in combination with canthaxanthin, the level of canthaxanthin shall not exceed 50 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de l'astaxanthine, qui ne doit pas dépasser 80 grammes d'astaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. Si la levure de Phaffia rhodozyma est utilisée en combinaison avec la canthaxanthine, le niveau de canthaxanthine ne doit pas dépasser 50 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, minimum milligrams of adonirubin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of adonirubin per kilogram, and maximum percent moisture.

  • 2-616-008 Haematococcus algae meal, comminuted dehydrated

This description is to be amended to:

  • align the approved SIF names with the approved SIF names of other fermentation product types
    • Change to Haematococcus algae meal dehydrated or Haematococcus algae meal, comminuted dehydrated
  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement
  • revise the purpose statement that is part of the description to clarify the purpose of this SIF as a food modifying ingredient
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-008 Haematococcus algae meal dehydrated (or Haematococcus algae meal, comminuted dehydrated)

is the dried comminuted (pulverized/homogenized) spores of an unmodified strain of Haematococcus pluvialis (Phylum Chlorophyta, Class Chlorophyceae, Order Chlamydomonadales, Family Haematococcaceae).

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of astaxanthin as a food modifying agent for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the astaxanthin concentration.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains astaxanthin which shall not exceed 80 grams of astaxanthin per tonne of complete feed for salmonid fish. If Haematococcus algae meal dehydrated is used in combination with canthaxanthin, the level of canthaxanthin shall not exceed 50 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de l'astaxanthine, qui ne doit pas dépasser 80 grammes d'astaxanthine par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. Si la farine d'algues Haematococcus déshydratée est utilisée en combinaison avec la canthaxanthine, le niveau de canthaxanthine ne doit pas dépasser 50 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum percent moisture.

  • 2-616-009 Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove the alternative name to align with the naming convention of other fermentation product type SIFs found in the CFIT
    • Approved SIF name is Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated
  • remove the term "colouring agent" and replace it with "food modifying agent" to clarify the purpose of this SIF
  • remove the purpose statement from the warning statement
  • revise the purpose statement that is part of the description to clarify the purpose of this SIF as a food modifying ingredient
  • revise the warning statement by condensing the information and ensuring the revised warning statement is applicable when placed onto a mixed feed label when the mixed feed formulation contains this SIF
    • Making it clear that the warning statement is not required on complete feed labels containing this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-009 Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated

is the product resulting from the heat treatment, concentration and drying of Paracoccus carotinifaciens cells.

This ingredient is approved as a source of astaxanthin and canthaxanthin as a food modifying agent for salmonid fish to modify the colour of the skin and flesh.

It may be blended with suitable carriers listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table to standardize the astaxanthin and canthaxanthin concentrations.

If a carrier is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statements:

"This ingredient is free of antimicrobial activity and is not a source of viable microbial cells."

Warning/Mise en garde :

"This feed contains astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. The combined concentration of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonirubin from all sources shall not exceed 80 grams per tonne of the complete feed for salmonid fish, with no more than 50 grams of canthaxanthin. (This warning statement is not required on complete feed labels.) / Cet aliment contient de l'astaxanthine et de la canthaxanthine. La concentration totale de l'astaxanthine, la canthaxanthine et l'adonirubine provenant de toutes les sources ne devra pas dépasser 80 grammes par tonne de l'aliment complet pour les poissons salmonidés, avec pas plus de 50 grammes de canthaxanthine. (Cet énoncé de mise en garde n'est pas requis sur les étiquettes des aliments complets.)"

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram, minimum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram, minimum milligrams of adonirubin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of adonirubin per kilogram, and maximum percent moisture.

In addition, we intend to amend two existing SIF descriptions (2-616-010 Dried micro-algae fermentation product and 2-616-014 Micro-algae fermentation oil) under subclass 6.16.2 (Food modifying ingredients - Microbial) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT. These existing SIFs are approved to enrich the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in foods of animal origin. These SIFs contain negligible concentrations of certain carotenoid pigments that do not impact (modify) the colour of foods of animal origin and/or tissues.

  • 2-616-010 Dried micro-algae fermentation product

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove one of the approved names for this SIF and align the one approved SIF name with the naming convention of other fermentation product type SIFs found in the CFIT
    • Approved SIF name is Micro-algae fermentation product dehydrated
  • revise the purpose statement to make it clear that it is approved for use to enrich the DHA content of foods of animal origin
  • remove the warning statements as it is not approved to modify the colour of foods of animal origin
  • the required label guarantee for canthaxanthin will remain to identify that there are small amounts of this carotenoid pigment in this SIF
    • Companies will need to characterize the content of this active component in this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-010 Micro-algae fermentation product dehydrated

is the dried product resulting from the fermentation of micro-algae. This fermentation shall be conducted in accordance with good manufacturing practices using a non-pathogenic strain of micro-algae which does not contain a novel trait. The name of the micro-algae (for example, Aurantiochytrium limacinum) shall be indicated on the label.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a food modifying agent for lactating dairy cows, laying hens, broiler chickens, swine, and salmonid fish to enrich the DHA content of foods of animal origin.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

"This ingredient is free of antimicrobial activity and is not a source of viable microbial cells."

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent crude fat, minimum percent total fatty acids, minimum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maximum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maximum percent sodium, maximum percent crude fibre, maximum percent ash, maximum percent moisture, and maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram.

  • 2-616-014 Micro-algae fermentation oil

This description is to be amended to:

  • revise the purpose statement to make it clear that it is approved for use to enrich the DHA content of foods of animal origin
  • remove the warning statements as it is not approved to modify the colour of foods of animal origin
  • the required label guarantee for maximum percent canthaxanthin will remain to identify that there are small amounts of this carotenoid pigment in this SIF
    • Companies will need to characterize the content of this active component in this SIF

The amended description is:

2-616-014 Micro-algae fermentation oil (or docosahexaenoic acid micro-algal oil or DHA micro-algal oil)

is the oil obtained from the fermentation of micro-algae. This fermentation shall be conducted in accordance with good manufacturing practices using a non-pathogenic strain of micro-algae, which does not contain a novel trait. The name of the micro-algae (for example, Aurantiochytrium limacinum) shall be indicated on the label.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a food modifying agent for broiler chickens and laying hens to enrich the DHA content of foods of animal origin.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

If an anticaking or flow agent is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

"This ingredient is free of antimicrobial activity and is not a source of viable microbial cells."

To address worker safety concerns, it shall be labelled with the following statement:

"This ingredient may cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation and/or sensitization. Appropriate protective equipment must be worn during handling. / Cet ingrédient peut causer une irritation et/ou une sensibilisation des yeux, de la peau et des voies respiratoires. Un équipement de protection approprié doit être porté lors de la manipulation."

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent crude fat, minimum percent total fatty acids, minimum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maximum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maximum percent sodium, maximum percent crude fibre, maximum percent ash, maximum percent moisture, and maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram.

In addition, we intend to amend four existing SIF descriptions:

  • 2-205-007 recuperated shrimp oil
  • 2-301-007 krill meal
  • 2-301-008 defatted Antarctic krill meal
  • 2-505-001 omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil

These existing SIFs are approved for use as a source of energy, source of protein or source of essential fatty acids. These SIFs contain low levels of certain carotenoid pigments, but they are not approved as a food modifying ingredient. Amendments are proposed to these existing descriptions to clarify their intended purpose in livestock feeds.

  • 2-205-007 Recuperated shrimp oil

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove the warning statements as it is not approved as a source of carotenoid pigments
  • the required label guarantee for maximum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin will remain to identify that there are small amounts of this carotenoid pigment in this SIF
    • Companies will need to characterize the content of this active component in this part 2 SIF
  • the required label guarantee for minimum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin was removed
  • a new required label guarantee for maximum milligrams of free astaxanthin was added

The amended description is:

2-205-007 Recuperated shrimp oil (or shrimp oil recuperated)

is the product that consists of the oil recuperated from the wash water used during the processing of fresh or frozen shrimp products, or both, intended for human consumption.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of energy in feeds for salmonid fish.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with guarantees for maximum percent moisture, minimum percent crude fat, maximum percent free fatty acids, minimum number of International Units of vitamin A per kilogram, maximum number of International Units of vitamin A per kilogram, maximum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of free astaxanthin per kilogram.

  • 2-301-007 Krill meal

This description is to be amended to:

  • add a purpose statement (source of protein in feeds for marine fish) to clarify the approved purpose
  • revise the caution statement so it is applicable on mixed feed labels that have this SIF as part of its formulation
  • remove the warning statement as this SIF is not approved as a component of food modifying agents and not approved to modify the colour of the skin and flesh of marine fish
  • remove the minimum guarantees for esterified astaxanthin and free astaxanthin as required label guarantees
  • remove the note at the end of the description that identifies it is a multi-purpose SIF
    • this SIF is only approved for one purpose, source of protein, and is not approved for any additional purpose
    • the SIF description for krill meal (2-616-011) will be removed from the CFIT as it was not approved as a colouring agent/food modifying agent in feeds

The amended description is:

2-301-007 Krill meal (or Antarctic krill meal or Euphausia superba meal)

is the product resulting from the drying and milling of fresh or frozen, or both, Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) that has been steam-processed and has had the oil removed.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of protein in feeds for marine fish.

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

Caution/Précaution :

"Do not use in freshwater environments. Do not feed to freshwater fish. / Ne pas utiliser en milieu d'eau douce. Ne pas servir aux poissons d'eau douce."

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent crude protein, minimum percent crude fat, maximum percent crude fat, maximum percent salt, maximum percent ash, maximum percent moisture, maximum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of free astaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of fluorine per kilogram.

  • 2-301-008 Defatted Antarctic krill meal

This description is to be amended to:

  • revise one of the SIF names in French from "Farine de krill de l'Antarctique dégraissée" to "Farine de krill antarctique dégraissée"
  • the required label guarantees for maximum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin and free astaxanthin will remain to identify that there are small amounts of this carotenoid pigment in this SIF
    • Companies will need to characterize the content of this active component in this part 2 SIF
  • revise the purpose statement that this SIF is only approved for use as a source protein in complete feeds for starter swine

The amended description is:

2-301-008 Defatted Antarctic krill meal (or defatted Euphausia superba meal or Antarctic krill meal defatted)

is the dried, non-soluble fraction or meal obtained after extracting the lipids (fat and oil) from frozen Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) that has been processed for human consumption. This product shall be processed in accordance with good manufacturing practices and shall be free of harmful microorganisms.

This ingredient is approved for use as a source of protein in complete feeds for starter swine.

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent crude protein, minimum percent crude fat, maximum percent crude fat, maximum percent salt, maximum percent ash, maximum percent moisture, maximum percent crude fibre, maximum milligrams of esterified astaxanthin per kilogram, maximum milligrams of free astaxanthin per kilogram, and maximum milligrams of fluorine per kilogram.

  • 2-505-001 Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil

This description is to be amended to:

  • revise the SIF names in French from "Acides gras polyinsaturés à longue chaîne oméga-3 d'huile de micro-algues" to "Huile de microalgues contenant des acides gras polyinsaturés à longue chaîne de type oméga-3" and "huile de micro-algues AGP-LC n-3" to "huile de microalgues AGPI-LC n-3"
  • remove the warning statements as it is not approved as a source of carotenoid pigments and not approved as a component of food modifying agents to modify the colour of foods of animal origin
  • the required label guarantee for maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin will remain to identify that there are small amounts of this carotenoid pigment in this SIF
    • Companies will need to characterize the content of this active component in this part 2 SIF

The amended description is:

2-505-001 Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil (or long chain omega-3 micro-algal oil or n-3 LC–PUFAs micro-algal oil)

is the oil extracted from fermented micro-algae. This fermentation shall be conducted in accordance with good manufacturing practices using a non-pathogenic strain of micro-algae, which does not contain a novel trait. The name of the micro-algae (for example, Aurantiochytrium limanicum) shall be indicated on the label.

This ingredient is approved in an amount not to exceed 10% of the complete feed for salmonid fish as a source of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

If an antioxidant is used, it must be approved for use in livestock feeds, it shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name or names shall be indicated on the label.

It shall be labelled with the following statement:

"This ingredient is free of antimicrobial activity and is not a source of viable microbial cells."

It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), maximum percent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), minimum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), maximum percent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), minimum percent total omega-3 fatty acids, maximum percent total omega-3 fatty acids, maximum percent moisture, maximum percent insoluble matter, maximum percent unsaponifiable matter, maximum percent free fatty acids, and maximum milligrams of canthaxanthin per kilogram.

  • 2-701-001 Beeswax

This description is to be amended to:

  • remove "registered carotenoid-based colouring agents" and replace it with "carotenoid-based pigments"
    • We are removing the term "colouring agent" from the CFIT
    • This SIF is still approved for use as a carrier in carotenoid-based pigments

The amended description is:

2-701-001 Beeswax

is the product resulting from refining the natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. The product shall be free from any contamination, including that from apiculture practices common to the country of origin.

This ingredient is approved for use as a carrier in carotenoid-based pigments.

Finally, we intend to remove the existing description for krill meal (2-616-011) under subclass 6.16.1 (Food modifying ingredient – Non-microbial) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) found in part 2 of the CFIT. This SIF was not approved as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of the skin and flesh of marine fish, and so this existing description for this unapproved purpose should be removed from the CFIT. The description for krill meal (2-301-007) listed in subclass 3.1.4 (Protein products and by products of animal origin – Aquatic animals) will remain as this SIF has been approved as a source of protein in feeds for marine fish.

Additional information

These amended SIFs will remain in part 2 of the CFIT because variations in the manufacturing process may affect the composition/characteristics of the final SIF product, and the manufacturing process may introduce potential hazards. In addition, these SIFs contain certain carotenoid pigments for which maximum allowable levels have been established in poultry and salmonid fish feeds. As a result, these SIFs should remain in part 2. The information about the maximum allowable levels remains in the revised warning statements included in the amended descriptions.

The use of the term colouring agent versus food modifying agent

We have started to review the SIFs found in subclass 6.6 (Colourants for livestock feeds) and subclass 6.16 (Food modifying ingredients) to make sure that terminology is being used consistently and the SIFs are in the correct subclasses based on their purpose. This change is to distinguish between the colouring of the livestock feed and the colouring of foods of animal origin. We are proposing definitions for the terms "colourants" and "food modifying ingredients" and we are looking for feedback on these proposed definitions. Once finalized, we plan to add these definitions to the CFIT glossary at a future CFIT update.

Colourants are substances that modify the apparent colour of livestock feed.

Food modifying ingredients are ingredients which, when fed, modify the physical and chemical properties, or fortify or modify the nutritional composition of foods of animal origin.

We have changed the name of subclass 6.6 from "livestock feed colouring agents" to "colourants for livestock feeds". We have also removed the term "colouring agent" from the descriptions found in subclass 6.6.

As part of this CFIT review project, we are also removing the use of the term "colouring agent" from descriptions found in subclass 6.16 and from the CFIT in general. This term is not consistent with the intended purpose and name of subclass 6.16. We have revised the purpose statement in these descriptions to reflect its approve purpose and the correct terminology to be used, and to distinguish between the purpose of SIFs found in subclass 6.6 (Colourants for livestock feeds) and subclass 6.16 (Food modifying ingredients). The change in this terminology has started to be applied to feeds that have come in for registration renewal as well.

Summary of the amendments made to these descriptions

For SIFs that are carotenoid pigments or sources of carotenoid pigments:

  • the purpose statement was removed from the warning statement
  • colouring agent was replaced with food modifying agent
  • the purpose statement was revised and placed into the actual description to align with other recent SIFs approved as a food modifying ingredient in subclass 6.16
  • the warning statement was revised, colouring agent was removed (purpose was removed from the warning statement), information was combined and revised so the revised warning statement was applicable to mixed feed labels containing these SIFs as well as the SIF label
  • the required label guarantees did not change

These amendments apply to both non-microbial sources (for example, crystalline canthaxanthin, crystalline beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester) and microbial sources (for example, Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated).

For SIFs that contain small amounts of carotenoid pigments that are approved as a food modifying agent (for example, to enrich the DHA content of foods of animal origin), but are not approved as a food modifying agent to modify the colour of foods of animal origin:

  • the purpose statement was revised to reflect its approved purpose as a type of food modifying ingredient
  • the warning statement was removed, as it is no longer relevant
  • the required label guarantee(s) for the maximum guarantee of the carotenoid pigment(s) were kept

These amendments apply to microbial sources (that is, micro-algae fermentation product dehydrated and micro-algae fermentation oil).

For SIFs that contain small amounts of carotenoid pigments, but are not approved as a source of carotenoid pigments nor approved as a food modifying ingredient:

  • the purpose statement was revised to reflect its approved purpose and the subclass/class the SIF is listed and described in were confirmed
  • the SIF was not approved as a food modifying ingredient, but contains low levels of the carotenoid pigments
  • the warning statement was removed, as it is no longer relevant
  • the required label guarantees were amended to only include the maximum guarantee of the carotenoid pigments

These amendments apply to recuperated shrimp oil, krill meal, defatted Antarctic krill meal, and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil.

Finally, for the beeswax description (2-701-001), the description was amended to clarify it can be used as a carrier in carotenoid-based pigments as opposed to carotenoid-based colouring agents as we are removing the term "colouring agent" from the CFIT.

Removing 2-616-011 Krill meal from the CFIT

We have decided to remove the existing description for krill meal (2-616-011) found in subclass 6.16.1 (Food modifying ingredients – Non-microbial) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT. This SIF was not approved as a food modifying ingredient to modify the colour of the skin and flesh of marine fish, and so this existing description for this unapproved purpose should be removed from the CFIT. Krill meal will remain approved and listed under subclass 3.1.4 (Protein products and by-products of animal origin – Aquatic animals) of class 3 (Protein feeds) in part 2 of the CFIT with the ingredient number: 2-301-007.

Transition period for affected ingredients and mixed feeds

To facilitate the transition and updating of affected SIFs and mixed feeds containing these SIFs, we are providing registrants with a transition period to implement the required labelling changes based on the amended SIF descriptions. At the time of their next application, whether it is an application for renewal or an application to amend an existing registration, registrants will be asked to update their labels to reflect the amended descriptions. This includes:

  • updating the label with the revised warning statements (or in some cases deleting the warning statement)
  • making any changes to the required label guarantees
  • making changes to the approved SIF names (if needed)
  • any other minor changes

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 fourteen amended descriptions found in part 2 of the CFIT.

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 SIF descriptions are amended

We are also seeking feedback on the removal of krill meal (2-616-011) found in subclass 6.16.1 (Food modifying ingredients – Non-microbial) of class 6 (Non-nutritive ingredients) in part 2 of the CFIT.

Stakeholders are encouraged to share comments if there are:

  • concerns about the removal of this SIF description
  • any scientific data that should be considered before this SIF is removed from the CFIT

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 "Carotenoid-based and carotenoid-related ingredients" in the subject line of the email. We are asking for comments and feedback by August 31, 2026, 30 days from the date of this posting.

Next steps

We will review all of the comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, we will finalize the following amended descriptions for:

  • 2-616-002 Crystalline canthaxanthin
  • 2-616-003 Crystalline astaxanthin
  • 2-616-004 Crystalline beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester
  • 2-616-005 Crystalline astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate
  • 2-616-007 Phaffia rhodozyma yeast
  • 2-616-008 Haematococcus algae meal dehydrated
  • 2-616-009 Paracoccus carotinifaciens fermentation product dehydrated
  • 2-616-010 Micro-algae fermentation product dehydrated
  • 2-616-014 Micro-algae fermentation oil
  • 2-205-007 Recuperated shrimp oil
  • 2-301-007 Krill meal
  • 2-301-008 Defatted Antarctic krill meal
  • 2-505-001 Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids micro-algal oil
  • 2-701-001 Beeswax

Finally, if no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, we will remove the description for krill meal (2-616-011) found in subclass 6.16.1 (Food modifying ingredients – Non-microbial) from the CFIT.

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

These amended descriptions will be added to the CFIT at the next update, and the description for krill meal (2-616-011) will be removed from 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

Date modified: