Animal by products

ABPs are defined as the entire bodies or parts of animals, products of animal origin or other products obtained from animals, which are not intended for human consumption, including oocytes, embryos and semen.

ABPs can be one of three categories based on the risks they pose. Category 1 ABP and Category 2 ABP are classed as high risk and Category 3 ABP is classed as low risk. Category 1 and Category 2 ABPs include high risk material and must be handled with extreme care. You should therefore ensure you have adequate knowledge to categorise, handle and dispose of different ABPs appropriately.

For further guidance on the categorisation, handling and disposal of ABPs consult UK government guidance on Animal by-product categories, site approval, hygiene and disposal.

ABPs generated from wild game as part of normal hunting practice (for example, blood and green offal) and not collected after killing, are out of the scope of the ABPs regulations.

All ABPs generated, other than as part of normal hunting practice and not collected after killing, need to be correctly categorised, handled and safely disposed of (including records for traceability purposes) in accordance with the above UK government guidance. Once a product is identified as ABP, it must be stored separately from products of animal origin intended for human consumption and cannot be diverted back into the food supply chain.

If you want to use ABPs, you must seek approval or registration from APHA. Whether you need to be approved or register depends on what your business does and the ABPs you handle. For further guidance consult the related section in the UK Government guidance on Animal by-product categories, site approval, hygiene and disposal. 

If you wish to manufacture and supply pet food from an FSA approved establishment please read the FSA’s guidance “Co-location of food and pet food production”.