VERONELLA, ITALY and DES MOINES, IOWA — Kemin Industries announced May 2 the European Commission has authorized its request to use rosemary extract as a functional additive in dog and cat food formulations. The new regulation, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1068, was added to the Official Journal of the European Union on April 15.

Liquid rosemary extract serves as an antioxidant solution in pet food, and poses as an alternative to tocopherols, which have been used historically in the European Union to preserve dog and cat food. The availability of natural tocopherols is limited, however, and the addition of rosemary extract effectively expands the pet food industry’s toolbelt of natural antioxidant solutions.

According to the company, the initial request was made by Kemin Nutrisurance, a division of Kemin Industries focused on pet food and rendering ingredient technologies.

“By diversifying sourcing and mitigating dependency on a single ingredient, Kemin Nutrisurance reinforces its commitment to sustainability and supply resilience in the pet food industry,” said Beth Mann, global director of quality and food safety at Kemin Nutrisurance. “Rosemary extract is a versatile and effective antioxidant that can help pet food manufacturers meet the growing demand for clean label, high-quality, and environmentally friendly products.”

Kemin Nutrisurance has developed proprietary rosemary plants through its Specialty Crop Improvement department. These varieties offer high levels of carnosic acid, which delivers antioxidant benefits, according to the company.

“We are thrilled to receive this authorization from the European Commission, which is the result of decades of research and development, as well as close collaboration with the authorities,” commented John A. Greaves, Ph.D., vice president of Specialty Crop Improvement at Kemin Industries. “This is a game-changer for the pet food industry, as it opens new possibilities for natural and sustainable pet nutrition.”

Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.