DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has received European Union authorisation for the use of Hy-D across aquaculture and all animal species, marking a regulatory first for vitamin D nutrition in European fish farming.
The European Commission has approved 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃) produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 146008 for use in salmonids, other fish species and all aquatic animals, as well as all terrestrial livestock. The ingredient has already been authorised in the EU for pigs, poultry and ruminants since 2024.
The decision means Hy-D can be used commercially as a nutritional additive in aquaculture and all animal feeds across the EU from 31 December 2025, expanding access for feed manufacturers, integrators and farmers.
According to DSM-Firmenich, this is the first time that 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has been approved for use in salmonids and all aquatic species in the EU, representing a significant development for the aquaculture sector. The authorisation follows a positive assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which confirmed the safety and efficacy of Hy-D for animals, consumers, users and the environment, including validation of the company’s yeast-based production process.
Hy-D is a vitamin D₃ metabolite designed to support optimal levels of 25-OH-D₃, with reported benefits for animal health, welfare, performance and productivity, as well as final product quality. DSM-Firmenich said its use in aquaculture has already delivered measurable improvements in commercial operations outside Europe.
“This new EU authorisation for Hy-D is a significant milestone, underscoring its global relevance and reliability as a source of vitamin D for aquaculture and all animal species,” said Emrah Mazi, Head of Special Nutrients at DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health. “We are thrilled about the opportunities this brings for our customers across Europe and beyond.”
Dr Benedict Standen, Head of Marketing for Aquaculture at DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, said the approval opens new possibilities for European fish producers. “EU authorisation for Hy-D represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity to bring real benefits to European aquaculture, which have already been seen in commercial aquaculture operations around the world, including improvements in growth, immunity and enhanced product quality.”
The approval marks the culmination of a 25-year development journey to make Hy-D available across all animal species in the EU, supporting DSM-Firmenich’s broader strategy to deliver safe, effective and sustainable nutritional solutions for global food production.
