European Union Proposes New Regulation on Animal Feed to Enhance Food Safety

Strategic Insights -

The European Union (EU) has released a draft Commission Delegated Regulation to amend the maximum levels of undesirable substances in animal feed. The document aims to improve food safety and animal health by introducing new limits for cadmium, lead, nickel, and other contaminants. The proposed regulation is scheduled to be adopted in March 2024 and is open for public comment until February 16, 2024.

The EU's Health and Food Safety Directorate-General is responsible for the proposed regulation, which affects all trading partners and the entire animal feed industry. The changes in the annexes to the Directive 2002/32/EC on undesirable substances will be guided by scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This proposed regulation is expected to enhance food safety and protect human health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU proposes to introduce new maximum levels for cadmium, lead, and nickel in animal feed.
  • The regulation will be guided by scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
  • The draft Delegated Regulation amends the annexes to Directive 2002/32/EC on undesirable substances.
  • The proposed regulation aims to enhance food safety and protect human health, in line with the EU's food safety objectives.
  • The draft regulation was notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on [date of notification], with a proposed date of adoption in March 2024.
  • The public comment period for the proposed regulation is open until February 16, 2024.

Statistics:

  • The regulation proposes to establish maximum levels for 17 undesirable substances in animal feed, including cadmium, lead, nickel, and rye ergot.
  • The draft regulation affects all trading partners and the entire animal feed industry.
  • The proposed regulation is open for public comment until February 16, 2024.
  • The draft regulation was notified to the WTO on the same date as other related documents (https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2023/SPS/EEC/23_14733_00_e.pdf and https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2023/SPS/EEC/23_14733_01_e.pdf).

Sources:

  • Notification 1 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) document G/SPS/N/EU/703 (https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2023/SPS/EEC/23_14733_00_e.pdf)
  • Notification 2 of the WTO document G/SPS/N/EU/703 (https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2023/SPS/EEC/23_14733_01_e.pdf)