(UK) The revised Code of Practice for the Control of Salmonella in Animal Feeds was published on 4 November 2009 in partnership with Defra and the Food Standards Agency.
One route for salmonella entering the food chain is through animals eating contaminated animal feed. The main purpose of the Code is to provide information on best practice, and to help those involved in the manufacture, storage and transport of feeds to minimise the risk of salmonella contamination.
To assist users, the Code brings together in one document, the advice that was previously dispersed in three codes and this has been updated after an extensive consultation of stakeholders. It has also been considered and endorsed by the independent Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs.
Ian Brown, Chariman of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, explains that the microbiological safety of animal feeds has implications for both animal health and consumers of livestock products. Animal feed is considered to be a significant vector for the entry of Salmonella into the food chain.
The Code is voluntary but the guidance it contains reflects recent legislative developments including the requirements of the EC Zoonoses Regulation (2160/2003) and the EC Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/2005). The scope of the Code covers a range of feed products and additives, and it reminds us that these are an important factor in the production of safe milk, meat and eggs.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a Government Department in the UK.
