Significant Changes in China’s Feed Standards

The China Feed Industry Association (CFIA) has recently introduced a landmark feed group standard regarding the sale and use of any 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) feed additives that contain detectable levels of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol). This new regulation marks a pivotal advancement in feed safety, traceability, and quality control.

However, it also holds global implications for feed and animal nutrition markets. The guidance indicates that existing products containing calcitriol impurities, which are now discouraged in China, may be redirected toward export markets. Experts warn that 25OHD3 products with 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol could easily find their way into countries with less rigorous regulations or enforcement.

Expert Insights

José María Hernández, Global Special Nutrients ANH at dsm-firmenich, commented:

“China’s new feed standard is a significant step forward for China and global feed safety and quality assurance. It highlights the importance of knowing exactly what’s in your vitamin supply and choosing sources you can trust. Now more than ever, buyers everywhere should prioritize reliable, high-quality, and globally registered 25OHD3 sources with proven safety and efficacy, such as Hy-D®, which has been used safely in billions of tons of feed worldwide for more than 25 years.”

FAQs on the New China Vitamin D3 Feed Standard

What’s Changing?

• Under the new T/CFIAS 3039–2025 and T/CFIAS 3040–2025 standards, only high-purity 25OHD3 products that meet stringent specifications for active content, contaminants, and particle size are recommended for use in China.
• Any 25OHD3 additive with even trace levels of calcitriol is now discouraged from sale or use.

Why It Matters Beyond China?

• As the world’s largest livestock producer and feed consumer, China significantly influences global standards and supply chains.
• Products that fail to meet the new Chinese safety thresholds may be diverted to export markets, increasing the risk of 25OHD3 feed additives entering international circulation.
• Experts advise buyers to exercise caution when sourcing vitamin D3 feed ingredients in the coming months.
• In the USA, calcitriol is severely restricted to <1 ppb in 25OHD3 active substance. In the EU, calcitriol is not approved as a feed additive for poultry and swine.
• Products rejected under CFIA’s new standards may still appear on the market elsewhere, raising regulatory and safety concerns.

Industry Call to Action

Feed manufacturers, nutritionists, and integrators are encouraged to:

• Verify supplier compliance with CFIA and international standards for products manufactured in China.
• Request analytical certificates confirming “not detectable” levels of calcitriol.
• Prioritize trusted, globally registered 25OHD3 sources with proven safety and efficacy track records, such as Hy-D®, which has been safely used in billions of tons of feed worldwide for over 25 years.