The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has proposed revoking the authorization of the feed additive “Patent Blue V,” commonly used as a colorant, due to safety concerns. Launched for stakeholder consultation, this move is poised to shift the dynamics within the UK and European feed markets.

UK food and feed safety authorities, the FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS), are preparing to make a sweeping decision regarding Patent Blue V (2a131), a feed additive widely used as a colorant in animal feed. Following safety concerns raised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regarding potential genetic damage, specifically aneugenicity (disruption of cell division), UK authorities conducted a comprehensive safety review. The assessment concluded that the additive’s safety for target species could not be proven under the intended conditions of use.

Considering these scientific findings, the FSA’s risk management department is recommending a complete revocation of Patent Blue V’s current authorization. Officially launched on July 10, 2026, the public consultation process will gather feedback, comments, and views from feed manufacturers and industry stakeholders across England and Wales until October 2, 2026.

Should ministers approve the revocation recommendation, a phased transitional period will be implemented for non-food producing animals (such as pets). According to the proposed plan, a 3-month transitional period will be granted from the revocation date to allow businesses to use up existing stocks of the pure additive and premixes. Additionally, a 6-month transitional period will be provided to clear out feed materials and compound feeds produced with the additive before they must be completely withdrawn from the market.

This move will also bring the UK back into full regulatory alignment with the European Union (EU, which previously chose not to renew the authorization of Patent Blue V, as well as Northern Ireland, which operates under the Windsor Framework. Carried out on public health grounds in full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, this regulatory shift will force global premix and pet food manufacturers to reformulate their products destined for the UK market.