Philadelphia-based chemical company FMC Corp. is facing a EU antitrust investigation into its manufacture of animal feed phosphates.

The European Commission in January initiated proceedings against FMC and its European subsidiaries following an investigation of substantially all European producers of animal feed phosphates, according to FMC in its quarterly financial statement submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

FMC said the commission invited the company to engage in settlement discussions.

The European Feed Manufacturers Federation last year complained to the Commission about shortages of feed phosphate and the potential danger to animal health.