The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of Hy-D®, a vitamin D3 metabolite, for a wide range of animal species, including fish and other aquatic animals. This significant decision by EFSA allows the use of Hy-D®—produced from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae—across all animal categories, expanding its previous approval that covered only poultry, swine, and ruminants.
Hy-D® is designed to enhance levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D₃), offering numerous health and performance benefits for animals. Emrah Mazi, Head of Special Nutrients at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health, noted, “This opinion from EFSA marks a key milestone for Hy-D®, demonstrating its global relevance and potential as a reliable source of vitamin D across all animal species. We are excited about what this means for the future of Hy-D® in helping customers around the world advance animal health and performance with confidence.”
The advantages of Hy-D® include improved animal health, welfare, productivity, and food quality. When used correctly, it can lead to better animal well-being and performance.
Final approval from the European Commission is still pending and is anticipated in the coming months. If granted, Hy-D® could be available for use in the EU for aquaculture and all other animal species by early 2026.
This development aligns with dsm-firmenich’s mission to provide safe and sustainable nutritional solutions, bringing Hy-D® closer to its broad potential.
