European MPs have giving their backing to plans to reintroduced processed animal protein (PAP) into the animal feed sector.
A recent report from the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety suggested that PAP should be reconsider as an ingredient of animal feed, as studies suggest it presents no danger to humans.
MEPs have now backed this idea in principle, but insist that cattle and other ruminants should not be allowed to consume PAP, as they are vegetarian.
Socialist MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt explained to Farmers Weekly why she backed the plans.
"In these cases, animal proteins should be fit for human consumption, (in other words, excluding specified risk materials such as brain and spinal cord, as well as fallen stock), and must undergo additional sterilisation methods," she said.
Experts are also predicting that firms will soon be permitted to use genetically modified crops in animal feed production. David Gibson of poultry processor Moy Park says that such a decision is probably a year away.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the animal feed industry includes:
