MBM ban sparks stockpile and feed shortage

By Peter Crichton

THE recent meat and bonemeal ban announced in Europe may not in fact become universal, according to Beate Gminder of the EU Commission.

There is reported to be a 60 million-tonne meat and bonemeal stockpile which is causing environmental hazards.

It has also been difficult to source non-animal protein feed ingredients for young piglets.

The commission have since revealed that they are not convinced that all meat and bonemeal needs to be banned from animal diets.

MBM was removed from all UK animal feed rations in 1996, and UK producers feel it would be unfair if the ban did not become universal throughout the EU, because of the competitive disadvantage which will result.

• Peter Crichton is a Suffolk-based pig farmer offering independent valuation and consultancy services to the UK pig industry
• New feed ingredient controls for Europe, FWi, 13 July, 2001