Germany agrees to enforce higher standards in animal feed production

In the dioxin scandal, the toxic chemical was discovered in animal feed which affected German pork and eggs and caused the temporary closure of over 4,760 farms, most of which have now reopened.

 

New system for oils and fats
With the new enforcement there will be a new licensing system for producers of oils and fats which are intended for animal feed use plus a mandatory separation of oils and fats output for use in industrial and animal feed, said the Ilse Aigner, the German Farm Minister.

 

Also, animal feed producers will be required to test their ingredients themselves and provide all test results to the authorities, while an early warning system will also be created for dioxin testing.

 

Manufacturer of contaminated feed
Currently, in Germany investigations are underway in order to see whether industrial fats and feeds company Harles and Jentzsch distributed fatty acids intended for industrial paper production to animal feed processors. The company has filed for bankruptcy. And the GMP⁺ accreditation of the firm was withdrawn. Sources said Harles & Jentzsch had GMP⁺ certification for its major processing unit, but the contaminated fats were processed at a different location which was not audited.

 

The German cabinet agreed to an action plan which was announced by the Farm Minister on Friday. The Farm Minister further asked the parliament to pass the new legislation quickly so that the new regulations can take effect.

 

Source: Reuters