Various parts of farm animals are not always intended for human consumption. Some animal products are specifically produced for use outside the food chain for example wool, down, musk, the colour carmine, shellac resin, etc., these are so-called animal by-products (ABP). Since there is a risk for animal health but also for public health when they enter the food chain the EU therefor has elaborated risk-proportionate solutions for transport, processing, use and imports based on ABPs' technical standards.
What are animal by-products?
Animal products are defined as entire cadavers or parts of animals or products of animal origin not intended for human consumption, including egg-cells, embryos and semen, and excluding animal faeces, kitchen waste and leftover food. Typical examples are: blood, organs, bones, animal skulls, ...
Animal by-products are divided into 3 categories:
- Category 1: Waste suspected to hold a serious threat to the health of humans or animals.
- Category 2: Waste suspected to hold a serious threat to the health of humans or animals, even after heat treatment.
- Category 3: Waste that poses no risk for the spread of transmittable diseases to humans or animals.
The FASFC is competent for veterinary checks of all animal by-products and derived products which enter into the European Union.