Feed detoxification processes authorisation guidance

A detoxification process is a process through which an undesirable substance is removed from non-compliant contaminated feed. This can be achieved using one of the following methods: 

• physical - removed on purpose from non-compliant contaminated feed 
• chemical - broken down or destroyed by a chemical substance into harmless compounds 
• biological or microbiological - metabolised or destroyed or deactivated by a biological or microbiological process into harmless compounds 

Feed detoxification processes need to be authorised before they can be used in Great Britain (GB). Assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/786) defines the acceptability criteria for the physical, chemical, (micro)biological detoxification processes.   

Physical methods where an undesirable substance is reduced or eliminated by cleaning, sorting or mechanical removal are generally permitted. However, authorisation is needed for chemical, biological or microbiological detoxification. 

New authorisations

To apply for an authorisation of a new detoxification process in GB, use our regulated products application portal. This is where you will be asked to upload all the documents to support your application, which will form your dossier. There is no fee for the application. 

There is no specific guidance available for detoxification processes applications. However, your application should demonstrate that the detoxification process meets the acceptability criteria established in assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/786.  

Ongoing applications

If you submitted a detoxification application to the EU before 1 January 2021 and the assessment process for this application has not been completed, you will need to submit your application to us, using our regulated products application portal. When completing the application, you will be asked to provide your EFSA question number. 

Existing authorisations

If your product or process was authorised by the European Commission before 1 January 2021 and the necessary legislation is in place, that authorisation will remain valid in GB. 

Getting help

If you have any questions about the authorisation procedure or application requirements, you can contact us at regulatedproducts@food.gov.uk.

Apply for authorisation

You can now use our online service to make a regulated product application.