24 | PET GAZETTE | PFMA
RULES , REGULATIONS AND THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY
How is the pet food industry regulated ? The Pet Food Manufacturers ’ Association highlights key pieces of legislation
t may come as a surprise to
I some pet owners and indeed some pet care professionals that there is no legislation in the EU specifically written for pet foods . All foods for animals whether for farm animals or pets are governed by the same animal feed legislation . These EU regulations cover all aspects of the pet food cycle and also apply to imported pet foods to ensure consistent safety and quality .
EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY ( EFSA )
The importance of the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA ) to the legislative process deserves a mention too . Whilst EFSA has no power to write legislation directly , it is very influential with the regulators . EFSA produces scientific opinions and advice that provides a scientific , evidence-based foundation for European policies and legislation . Its focus is safety of the food chain from field to plate .
THE KEY PIECES OF LEGISLATION FOR THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY
With over 50 pieces of legislation underpinning the industry , it is worth highlighting some of the key regulations :
ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS ( ABP ) REGULATIONS ( EC ) NO 1069 / 2009
The pet food industry uses animal based ingredients which are surplus to the human food chain all of which must come from animals that have been slaughtered under veterinary supervision . Animal materials of this nature are classified as ‘ animal by-products ’ and must meet the very high standards laid down in this piece of legislation . Approval from the Animal Protection and Health Agency ( APHA ) is required for all pet food manufacturers using these animal by-products .
FEED HYGIENE REGULATIONS ( EC ) NO 183 / 2005
This regulation sets out the operating standards to which all pet food manufacturers must comply to ensure safety and hygiene at all stages of production . The requirements cover : n facilities and equipment n personnel n production n quality control including hazard analysis and critical control point ( HACCP - feedsafety management system ) n storage and transport n record-keeping , including traceability n complaints and product recall Under this regulation , all feed businesses , regardless of size , must be approved or registered with their local authority .
PLACING ON THE MARKET ANIMAL FEED REGULATIONS ( EC ) NO 767 / 2009
The regulation covers : n stringent labelling , presentation and packaging requirements , including analytical declarations n manufacturer responsibilities n substantiation of any claims , including nutritional claims n prohibition on the misleading of purchasers n prohibition on making medicinal claims
DID YOU KNOW ?
The European Pet Food Federation ( FEDIAF ) has developed a Guide to the Manufacture of Safe Pet Foods . The main aim of this document is to provide guidance to ensure that pet food is fit and safe for the purpose of feeding pets . This document has been formally recognised by the European Commission .
n the regulation also covers undesirable substances and particular nutritional purposes - for example , the maximum levels of various contaminants e . g . arsenic , lead , dioxins n substances that must not be used in feed
REGULATION ON ADDITIVES FOR USE IN ANIMAL NUTRITION ( EC ) NO 1831 / 2003
This regulation contains provisions for the control of feed additives in pet food and include : n categorisation of feed additives n authorisation of feed additives n labelling and packaging of feed additives n provisions relating to an EU register of additives
For more information on the pet food industry including a short film on how pet food is made , please visit : www . pfma . org . uk
www . petgazette . biz August 2017