Canadian Food Inspection Agency Encourages Early Preparedness For Enhanced Feed Ban

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Veterinary;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 22 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding cattle producers, abattoirs and other regulated parties to begin preparing for new requirements under the enhanced feed ban, which come into force July 12, 2007.

The enhanced feed ban will accelerate Canada's progress toward the eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from the national herd, and serves to protect producers by reducing opportunities for cross contamination in the feed supply. It will also help to increase market access opportunities and is critical to maintain Canada's status as a controlled risk country for BSE from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Certain cattle tissues capable of transmitting BSE, known as specified risk material (SRM), are being banned from all animal feed, pet food and fertilizer. As a result, there are new requirements for anyone handling, transporting or disposing of cattle remains, including renderers; fertilizer, pet food and feed manufacturers; waste management facilities and veterinarians.

Beginning July 12, 2007, a CFIA permit will be required to transport and receive SRM in any form. This system will allow the CFIA to verify that SRM does not enter the animal feed system. Anyone who needs a permit can apply in advance of July 12 by contacting their nearest CFIA office or by calling 1-800-442-2342. The permit application form is also available online, at http://www.inspecton.gc.ca/bse.

In addition, livestock producers must no longer use any feed products containing SRM. The CFIA encourages producers to use up all current on-farm supplies of feed, and to make sure that all new feed purchases are SRM-free.

The CFIA remains committed to working closely with industry associations to ensure that all stakeholders are in compliance as soon as possible. Any regulated parties who have questions about the enhanced feed ban or their responsibilities are encouraged to contact the CFIA.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

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