February 2011 update on the Animal Nutrition Section of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
Friday 25 February 2011
This update provides information about the Animal Nutrition Section of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) meeting held on 22 February 2011.
Outcomes of the SCoFCAH Animal Nutrition Section meeting held on 22 February 2011
Feed additives
Votes were taken on three Commission proposals for feed additive authorisations – all of these received a vote in favour. A summary of these proposals is given in the table below:
Feed additive authorisations – February 2011 SCoFCAH (Animal Nutrition Section)
| Additive | Additive type | Proposal number | Authorisation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 | gut flora stabiliser | SANCO/13161/2010 | revised compatibility with coccidiostats |
| Trichoderma reesei A-34 (MUCL 49754) | gut flora stabiliser | SANCO/13160/2010 | revised minimum content in feed for broilers |
| Endo-1,4-betaxylanase and endo-1,3(4)-betaglucanase | digestibility enhancer | SANCO/12760/2010 | for poultry, pigs and piglets |
Commission officials indicated that there would be a discussion at the March meeting on the withdrawal of authorisation for certain feed additives that had not been supported with an application under Article 10 of Regulation 1831/2003. It is expected that there will also be a discussion on the use of additives in water at the same meeting.
Dioxin contamination incident in Germany
The German delegation gave a presentation setting out the sequence of events concerning the recent dioxin contamination incident and on its ten-point action plan to help prevent further occurrences of this type. Germany was thanked for this information, and its authorities congratulated for the efficient manner in which they had dealt with the incident. The extent of the contamination had been much lower than in the Belgian and Irish dioxin/PCB incidents. However, it was expected that the Commission's Food and Veterinary Office would undertake a special mission to Germany shortly to help with the investigation.
Undesirable substances
There was a brief discussion on new controls for non-dioxin-like PCBs and a revision of the current controls for dioxin-like PCBs. It is anticipated that a vote on the Commission’s proposal with be taken at the March meeting. Some concern was expressed about the frequency of notifications of groundnut consignments from India that were found to exceed the maximum limits for aflatoxin B1. The Commission and member states are to consider whether additional controls are required for this feed material.
Animal health and welfare
Two Commission proposals (SANCO/7206/2010 rev3 and SANCO/7105/2010 rev 3) concerning control measures for the ostreid herpes virus µ1var (OsHV-1 µvar) were taken to a vote. All member states voted in favour for both proposals.
A further Commission proposal (SANCO 7176/2010 rev 4) for a regulation amending Regulation 142/2011 implementing Regulation 1069/2009 concerning animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption was taken to a vote. A QMV in favour was achieved.
Genetically modified food and feed and environmental risk
The Commission tabled a revised version of its proposal (SANCO/13368/2010) for methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed containing traces of certain unauthorised GM plant lines. The purpose of the proposed regulation was to provide a tolerance (0.1%) for the low-level presence of GMOs authorised by thirrd countries (but not the EU) in consignments of feed such as maize and soya. The proposal achieved a QMV in favour (19 countries – 280 votes were positive).
More about SCoFCAH and its animal nutrition section
SCoFCAH is a European Commission regulatory committee that was established by Regulation 178/2002, a regulation that includes the laying down of principles and requirements of feed law. Meetings of the committee are chaired by European Commission officials, and attended by member states' representatives. The committee can give an opinion, that is to say a vote, on certain proposed measures, prior to their possible adoption by the Commission.
SCoFCAH has eight sections. The Animal Nutrition Section deals with animal feed and meets about 10 times each year. Information about the outcome of each meeting will be published on this website.
For further information about the SCoFCAH Animal Nutrition Section, email Dr Ray Smith at ray.smith@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.