Preparation of the post-ethoxyquin era: vitamin stability

The choice of trace minerals doses and sources interacts with oxidation kinetics in premixtures: some studies have shown that non water soluble sources of zinc and copper like HiZox^® and CoRouge^®, two products from Animine, can prevent vitamin degradation.

Animine Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant used as a feed additive in fish meal, fats, vitamins and premixes. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has published an Opinion where experts could not conclude on the safety of the additive for any target animals, for consumers and for the environment. Some concerns were raised on the possible genotoxicity of one metabolite, and on the possible mutagenicity of one impurity. In light of this review, it is very likely that the EU Commission will soon suspend the authorisation of ethoxyquin in animal feeds, pending supplementary data. Even if other antioxidants are available in the market, ethoxyquin is a very effective compound to prevent the production of oxidative reactive compounds and to limit lipid peroxidation. It is known that ethoxyquin is able to stabilize fat-soluble vitamins (A and E). Premix and feed manufacturers are incitated to review all measures which will reduce vitamin degradation. The choice of trace minerals doses and sources interacts with oxidation kinetics in premixtures: some studies have shown that non water soluble sources of zinc and copper like HiZox^® and CoRouge^®, two products from Animine, can prevent vitamin degradation.