Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel.: Tea tree oil

What it is. Essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree). It is used as a flavouring substance with a characteristic composition typical of this botanical essential oil.

What it is for. It is classified as a sensory additive, functional group 2b, flavouring compounds. This type of product is generally used to impart or standardise aroma/flavour in feed, and would typically be considered for use across species and production stages where flavouring additives are employed. No specific recommended inclusion level is provided in the official description.

Points to watch. As a flavouring substance from essential oil, batch-to-batch variability in composition is expected depending on plant origin and extraction. No maximum content figures are provided here; regulatory limits and conditions of use should be checked against the official annex before formulation. Store protected from light and heat, as for volatile essential oils.