HC Deb 04 March 1999 vol 326 cc909-10W
Mr. Gill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in authorising the production of saleable meat and bonemeal from rendering plants specifically dedicated to the by-product of pig abattoirs. [R] [73794]

Mr. Rooker

The commercial market for meat and bone meal (MBM) has traditionally depended on its use in animal feed and in fertiliser. Because of the risk of transmission of BSE, the use of MBM in farm animal feed and agricultural fertiliser is currently prohibited.

The Government will only consider relaxation of the rules prohibiting the inclusion of animal proteins in feedingstuffs and fertilisers, which are intended to prevent the transmission of BSE to cattle either directly or through cross examination, if SEAC advise that it is safe to do so. We would also wish to consult the EU Commission on any proposal to change the rules.

The Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) is currently producing an industry strategy paper for adding value to animal by-products, which includes restoration of the value of meat and bone meal from the rendering of porcine waste in dedicated plants through the incorporation of this material in poultry feed. Experience has shown that the effective enforcement of such selective controls is extremely difficult, and failure could prejudice the progress made so far in eradicating BSE and in restoring export markets. We are currently discussing with the MLC whether their paper should go to SEAC or whether further work should be done first to address the need for safeguards to avoid contamination of farm animal feed not intended for poultry.