September 22, 2010

EU mulls suspension on meat and bone meal in animal feeds

Following a long-term ban on the use of meat and bone meal in animal feeds to control BSE, it has been proposed that poultry protein fed to pigs and vice versa in the EU.

In July, the NFU responded to Defra's informal consultation on the EU's TSE Roadmap, according to reports.

NFU acting director of communications Terry Jones said there were a range of recommendations for the unwinding of regulations outlined in the second TSE roadmap back in July and the lifting of the ban for feeding processed animal proteins was just one of the six areas identified.

Jones noted that while prices for soymeal continue to rise and the restrictions on the import of GM soy to the EU fuel an increase in the price premium for the commodity, EU farmers will want to consider cheaper sources of protein to remain competitive.