Feed is often seen as the weakest link in
the food chain. The European feed industry, united in Fefac, has been working
on a code to ensure safer feed for many years. In a Fefac/Taiex seminar* in
Bratislava, Slovak Republic Fefac president Martin Tielen outlined what has
been achieved so far in feed safety regulations in Europe and what resulted in
a European Feed Manufacturers Code, established in December 2004.
In an attempt to meet a new EU regulation on
feed safety that comes into effect next year, European feed manufacturers
gathered in Brussels
early June. The focus of their 48th Annual General Meeting was on
identifying ways to improve the nutritional content of products of animal
origin and the feeding strategies used by the EU farmers.
Many Malasian pig farmers are suspected of using the banned drug beta-agonist
in their pig feed. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek therefore
urged consumers to be patient until the authorities complete their checks on pig
farmers and pork sellers.
Animal feed and livestock associations in Thailand will
be allowed to import unlimited amounts of soybean meal from World Trade
Organisation (WTO) member countries in 2007.
The need for feed additives is related to animal feed production and
therefore the consistent demand for meat and dairy products is expected to drive
growth of this market in Australia and New Zealand.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
10,000 cattle in Ontario and Quebec have consumed feed, used on 113 farms,
containing traces of animal byproducts.
The Federation of the Belgium Chemical Industries (Fedichem), the Federation
for the Food industry (Fevia) and the cooperative of the Belgium feed producers
(Bemefa) have developed a code of conduct regarding the use of chemicals in food
and feed. This code was established in close cooperation with the Belgium Food
Agency (FAVV).
The eighth case of BSE, found on August 9 on a commercial beef cow on a farm
in northern Alberta, Canada was most likely caused by feed ingredients,
according to investigation of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA).