Carvacrol

Description

What it is. Carvacrol is a flavouring substance obtained by chemical synthesis, with a minimum purity of 98% (chemical formula C10H14O, CAS 499-75-2). It belongs to functional group 2b (flavouring compounds) of EU feed additives and is identified under FLAVIS number 04.031.

What it is for. Carvacrol is used as a sensory additive to provide a flavouring note in feed for all animal species. It must be incorporated via a premix, and its mode of use must state storage conditions and thermal processing stability. A study on nursery piglets reported dietary supplementation with an essential-oil blend containing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and thymol in relation to growth performance and gut health, but this illustrates one experimental use and does not define a recommended inclusion level.

Points to watch. The additive must not be combined with other sources of carvacrol. Operators must establish operating procedures and organisational measures to manage handling risks, including personal protective equipment (respiratory, eye and skin protection) where risks cannot otherwise be eliminated. Authorisation runs until 13 August 2034; no maximum content is set in the annex beyond the identification figure 125.