Animal feed
Animal feed plays an important part in the food chain and has implications for the composition and quality of the livestock products (milk, meat and eggs) that people consume. The Food Standards Agency is responsible for drawing up the rules on the composition and marketing of animal feed.
The Agency's main aims in this area are to help protect consumer and animal health. Another aim is to ensure that those buying the feed are provided with sufficient information to allow them to make informed choices.
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Melamine in animal feed
During 2008, melamine has been found in imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC) of organic soya expeller which is used for animal feed. Feed businesses that have recieved and used organic soya expeller from the PRC have been advised to quarantine any remaining supplies and have them analysed for the presence of melamine.
Animal feed legislation and guidance
In the main, the legislation on the composition and marketing of animal feed (which covers feed for farmed livestock as well as horses, pet food and farmed fish) is derived from EU measures.
Feed Premises Register
European Council Directive 95/69/EC introduced a system for the approval and registration of feed establishments (premises) that manufacture, market or use certain additives and protein products, and for the register to be made publicly available.
Animal feed and enforcement
The Food Standards Agency is responsible for drawing up the rules on the composition, labelling and marketing of animal feed and ensuring the enforcement of animal feed law is co-ordinated and consistent.
GM material in animal feed
Before a genetically modified organism (GMO) can be either grown or marketed in the European Union (EU), it must be granted a marketing consent (i.e. authorised) under European Community (EC) legislation - EC Regulation 1829/2003 laying down the authorisation procedures for GM food and feed (the 'GM Food and Feed Regulation').
EC Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
This committee was established following the adoption of Regulation (EC) 178/2002, which set out the general principles and requirements of food law in the EU.
Stakeholder meeting on animal feed issues
The Food Standards Agency holds annual meetings to discuss a range of topical feed-related issues with a variety of stakeholders.
Minimising residues of veterinary medicines and medicated feed additives
Nicarbazin Medicated Feed Additive Project The FSA has facilitated an initiative to identify ways in which the poultry industry can reduce the incidence and levels of nicarbazin residues in British chicken, and to raise awareness of this issue among farmers.
Letters to local authorities
This covers generic correspondence that is specifically concerned with food and/or feed hygiene/standards enforcement issues and that is sent to all authorities in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What farm animals eat
Animal feeding practices have developed over time, and have generally been validated by their use.