Food and feed additives: Characteristics
Why feed makers pay per unit of digestible amino acid
What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.Purity, regulatory status and function per gram matter most. Food grades must meet Codex/JECFA, FCC or national specifications; feed amino acids are sold on active content; enzymes on activity units; emulsifiers on HLB value and fatty acid profile.
Properties that matter commercially
| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory identity | E-number (EU) or INS number (Codex); FSSAI permitted list in India | An additive cannot be sold for a use where it is not approved | EU 1333/2008; Codex GSFA; FSSAI 2011 |
| Active content | e.g. L-lysine HCl about 78% lysine; DL-methionine at least 99% (indicative) | Feed formulators price per unit of digestible amino acid | indicative |
| Enzyme activity | units per gram (e.g. FTU for phytase) | Dose and price are set per activity unit | indicative |
| Non-GMO, organic, halal and kosher status | certified by third parties | Opens premium and export markets | indicative |
Commercial grades
- Food grade (FCC, JECFA)
- Feed grade
- Pharma grade (some vitamins and amino acids)
- Clean-label and natural versions
- Non-GMO lecithin (sunflower, non-GM soy)