The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs' open meeting in Aviation House, London gave stakeholders an opportunity to observe the committee at work and to ask questions.
The Committee received a presentation from an official of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on Antimicrobial Resistance. Members noted that this topic was complex and they wished to explore it at a future meeting, where they could discuss the available evidence to support whether antimicrobial resistance was a current issue for animal feed.
The Committee also considered a paper on the work that the British Society for Animal Science (BSAS) is undertaking on the registration of those providing advice to farmers. The Committee commended the work being carried out by the BSAS in this area and is looking forward to receiving a further presentation from the Agricultural Industries Confederation on work they are also carrying out in this area, at a future meeting.
A Food Standards Agency official gave an oral update on the work being undertaken to implement Commission Regulation 225/2012. This Regulation introduces additional controls on dioxins in oils and fats for feed use including the mandatory testing of certain products for dioxins and the approval of oils and fats manufacturers. The Committee asked to be kept informed of developments in this area, including receiving a forthcoming consultation package on draft national legislation and accompanying guidance.
Finally, the Committee considered its Forward Work Programme for 2012-2013. It prioritised its proposed work areas, including a new item of work entitled ‘emphasis on reduction in food waste’. Additionally, following the presentation on antimicrobial resistance, the Committee agreed that this item should be included in its forward work programme.
After the close of the meeting, delegates were given the opportunity to ask questions.
The next ACAF meeting is scheduled to take place in London on 16 January 2013.
