7 April, 2025 – The European Union has officially banned sodium saccharin in animal feed following concerns that its synthetic residues contaminate groundwater and degrade soil quality. This decision, set to upend the feed industry, leaves manufacturers scrambling for a compliant, effective alternative—and HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract is emerging as the replacement of choice.
Saccharin: A Silent Threat to Europe’s Farmland
The EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1727 outlawed sodium saccharin in piglet feed due to its high persistence in the environment and its direct link to groundwater contamination. Studies revealed that saccharin does not fully break down in soil, accumulating over time and threatening Europe’s already fragile agricultural ecosystems.
For decades, feed manufacturers relied on saccharin to enhance palatability in pig and ruminant nutrition. However, its synthetic composition and petrochemical byproducts raised red flags among environmental watchdogs, culminating in this sweeping ban.
As saccharin disappears from the European market, feed producers are now faced with a critical choice: adapt to sustainable alternatives or risk regulatory non-compliance.
HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract: The Sustainable Sweetener That Checks Every Box
With saccharin banned, HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract is the only high-performance, natural sweetener that meets both regulatory and nutritional demands. Unlike synthetic alternatives like saccharin, this extract enhances feed intake, supports gut health, and reduces environmental harm.
✔ Proven Palatability & Feed Intake Enhancement
Studies confirm that HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract improves feed palatability, enhancing feed intake for pigs and ruminant animals.
✔ Environmental Superiority
HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract boasts a carbon footprint three times lower than sodium saccharin, reducing the environmental burden of feed production.
✔ No Soil or Water Contamination
Unlike saccharin, which contributes to soil pollution and has been banned for its impact on groundwater contamination, HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract is a clean and safe alternative that aligns with the EU’s sustainability mandates.
✔ Regulatory Compliance & Market Demand
Stevia is an approved natural sweetener under Regulation (EU) No 1333/2008, meeting the strict regulatory requirements of the European feed industry.
Furthermore, as consumers and policymakers push for cleaner agricultural practices, demand for sustainable solutions like HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract is expected to grow significantly.
A Direct Path Forward for Feed Manufacturers
With saccharin’s swift removal from EU feed formulations, manufacturers must pivot within the year to proven alternatives. HOWTIAN’s Stevia Extract is already in production and available for immediate supply, ensuring companies can maintain product quality without regulatory risk.
