April 21, 2006

Mad cow case stokes debate on animal protein in feed

To ban or not to ban? That is the question as the latest mad cow case in Canada triggered calls for a total ban on the use of any animal protein in all animal feed.

Currently, both the US and Canada ban the use of animal protein in feed for ruminants but allows it in feed for simple-stomach species such as poultry.

Critics say this is too risky as there are facilities that manufacture feed for both types of animals and there is always the chance of cross-contamination.

Tom Cook, president of the National Renderers Association, said the call for a total ban is unnecessary and premature. Canadian authorities have not determined if its latest mad cow case arose from contaminated feed and feed mills that process both types of feed are few and far between.

For those that do, there are guidelines from FDA which prevent cross contamination, Cook said, adding it is unfair to deny companies that have good processes in place to carry on.

Furthermore, if the use of animal proteins were completely banned, it would be the livestock producer that suffers, he said. Producers may stand to lose US$40 for every animal they sold if meat and bone meal, fats and oils are banned. Farmers also need to dispose these as waste materials, incurring more costs, Cook said.