Why the EFSA’s New Rules Matter for Pet Food Manufacturers

Major changes are coming to the world of hydrocolloids from carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, to locust bean gum especially for European private label wet pet food manufacturers.

For years, many producers have relied on blends and formulations without fully understanding the raw materials behind them. But with new EFSA regulations on the horizon, this approach will no longer be enough.

The key question now is: Do you buy hydrocolloids for their price or for the knowledge that ensures your long-term stability?

At MBB GmbH, we believe that knowledge is the real stabilizer in times of change. And that’s exactly where our decades of experience come in.

Decades of Expertise, Built on Partnership and Trust

Our network at MBB traces back to the 1970s. We’ve worked with hydrocolloids in pet food since 1996, supporting private label wet pet food manufacturers across Europe from large-scale producers to mid-sized innovators.

Every time we’ve introduced our raw materials and our approach, long-term partnerships have followed. That’s because our philosophy has always been simple: Transparency, reliability, and deep understanding of the materials we work with.

Over the years, we’ve seen how knowledge gaps in the industry lead to inefficiencies, inconsistent product quality, and missed opportunities. That’s why we’ve developed practical workshops to close those gaps sharing insights about seasonal variations, functional synergies, and potential pitfalls when working with hydrocolloids.

Our expertise goes beyond ingredients. We understand how raw materials interact, how price dependencies evolve, and how market dynamics shape decisions. And we share this knowledge openly because clarity leads to confidence.

The EFSA Regulatory Shift — A Game Changer for Pet Food

What Is Changing Under EFSA Regulation?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently reviewing key hydrocolloids such as carrageenan, guar, xanthan, and locust bean gum. The outcome will likely include maximum inclusion levels, threshold limits, and mandatory declaration of all hydrocolloids used in formulations.

This will be a turning point for the entire pet food sector. Why? Because many manufacturers still don’t fully know which raw materials they are using or how those materials behave in combination.

What Happens If Manufacturers Don’t Adapt?

For years, decisions were made based on price or habit, not on function. But when the new EFSA limits take effect, guesswork will no longer be an option.

Manufacturers will need to understand: the functional role of each hydrocolloid, the synergies between ingredients, and the impact of formulation changes on product stability and texture.

Those who fail to adapt risk more than compliance issues. They risk inconsistent products, production delays, and declining sales as formulations change and product quality fluctuates.

At MBB, we’ve seen this coming for years. We’ve guided our partners through price explosions, logistical crises, and supply disruptions from the pandemic to shipping bottlenecks in the Red Sea. Now, as EFSA prepares to redefine the rules, we’re helping our partners prepare not react. Because in a market where uncertainty grows, knowledge becomes your most stable ingredient.

Clarity, Confidence, and Collaboration for European Pet Food Producers

Our mission has always been: “Kopf frei – für Ihr Kerngeschäft.” Keep your head clear – for your core business. And that mission becomes even more powerful in times of change.

At MBB, we already have the tools and experience that others are only now beginning to develop. We support manufacturers through:

  1. Practical, Insightful Workshops – We deliver hands-on sessions that build understanding — from the fundamentals of hydrocolloids to their functional interactions. Our goal: to make your teams confident in every formulation decision.
  2. Tailored Solutions for Every Production Environment – No two factories are the same. We understand that production processes, storage conditions, and raw material handling differ from site to site. That’s why our solutions are custom-built aligned with your operations, your market, and your region.
  3. A Network of European Specialists – Behind MBB stands a strong network of experts who share our mission. Together, we ensure that every solution we deliver supports your efficiency, your stability, and your peace of mind.
  4. Transparency and Trust – We believe in absolute confidentiality and full transparency especially when it comes to raw materials. Our formulations are adjusted only in close alignment with your team and never without your approval. That’s how we build partnerships that last and results that endure.

Because in a market shaped by regulation and volatility, clarity is your competitive advantage.

Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Standards

The EFSA’s upcoming changes will separate those who understand their materials from those who don’t. And in that new reality, knowledge will define competitiveness.

At MBB, we’ve been preparing for this moment for decades. We know the materials, the markets, and the mechanisms that drive stability in pet food production. And we’re ready to share that knowledge openly, transparently, and collaboratively.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity

All change begins with a first step. Let’s take it together.

If you want to prepare for the upcoming EFSA regulations with clarity and confidence, get in touch. Let’s find out where we can best support you — through workshops, tailored solutions, or strategic guidance. Together, we’ll create the stability your business needs — so you can keep your head clear for your core business.

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