The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion finding DSM-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health’s “Hy-D” product is safe for use with salmonid and fish species, and the E.U. has now cleared the product for sale in the market.
Hy-D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or a species of yeast. The product is a form of Vitamin D, and the company says the product supports optimal levels of the nutrition and provides benefits to animal health.
The EFSA released its scientific paper in July 2025, a key milestone for DSM-firmenich’s development of the Hy-D.
“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,” DSM-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health Head of Special Nutrients Emrah Mazi said. “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.”
Now, E.U. authorities have followed up on the initial paper with an authorization, clearing Hy-D for use in aquaculture. This is the first time 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has been approved for use in salmonids and aquatic species.
“We are thrilled about the opportunities this brings for our customers across Europe and beyond, empowering them to advance animal health and performance with confidence,” Mazi said in a release.
The company said the approval is part of a 25-year journey to make Hy-D available to all farmed animal species in the E.U.
“EU authorization for Hy-D represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity to bring real benefits to European aquaculture, which have already been seen in commercial aquaculture operations around the world,” DSM-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health Head of Marketing for Aquaculture Benedict Standen said in a release. “These include improvements in growth, immunity and enhanced product quality.”
