UK gov’t issues animal feed reformulation guidelines

The U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued clarification to animal feed businesses on reformulations and labeling of animal feed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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COVID-19 pandemic may create need for feeds to be reformulated

The U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued clarification to animal feed businesses on reformulations and labeling of animal feed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Because of limited ingredient availability during the pandemic, standard feed formulations may need to be changed. Under these circumstances, the FSA said alternatives may be used under the following criteria:

  • The substituted ingredients are permitted for use in the U.K. and EU.
  • The substituted ingredients are used in accordance with any legislative criteria e.g. target species, maximum permitted limits, etc.
  • Any reformulation must ensure the feed is safe for the intended species or category of animal.
  • Accurate information for reformulated feeds to reflect the actual composition of the product must be provided for the individual product unit(s), to correct existing information by the use of over-stickers with the additional option to signpost to an appropriate point of information (e.g. website).
  • Where the reformulation invalidates any claims, the on-pack label must be amended, so as not to mislead the customer. Other advertising materials must also be amended accordingly.

In addition, prior to production and where appropriate the business may wish to notify the customer directly of any deviation from contracted standard formulations e.g. bulk deliveries to farm.

Facility changes, closures

The FSA also said feed businesses must notify authorities of any significant change in activities and any closure of an existing establishment.

Where a business re-locates its production to a different feed premises this takes effect as a new establishment and the following criteria must be followed:

  • Establishments must be appropriately registered and/or approved with their enforcement authority under the feed hygiene regulations.
  • For traceability purposes existing labels or packaging must be over-stickered with the relevant producer details.

Products of animal origin are the responsibility of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in England and Wales or within Northern Ireland contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Feed business operators must continue to maintain traceability, follow feed hygiene requirements and where applicable, their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.

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