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AgVetLink: Number 51, August 2005

Animal feed commodities – ‘fit for purpose’

Recently the ACVM Regulations 2001 were amended to make it clear that feed commodities to be sold for use in animal feeds or as animal feeds in their own right are subject to the condition to be ‘fit for purpose’ as listed in Schedule 4 of those Regulations. This means that these commodities must not:

•         result in violative residues in produce from animals exposed

•         cause toxic reactions

•         cause physical harm to animals exposed

•         result in malnutrition

•         be a source of pathogenic organisms or pests.

Concerns have been expressed that some imported feed commodities, such as grain or palm kernel expeller meal, may not meet the above criteria. The ACVM Group wishes to remind people that it is a statutory obligation to take due care to be confident that the commodities they are selling are actually fit for purpose as animal feeds. This includes persons who trade in imported feed commodities. They must be confident that the commodities are fit for purpose if they are going to sell them as animal feeds.

The ACVM Group considers that the seller has a moral obligation to advise the purchasing feed manufacturer of any hazards they may suspect if they are going to sell the commodities as ingredients to be used in the manufacture of animal feeds. However, the statutory obligations fall on the feed manufacturers to ensure that their products are fit for purpose as an animal feed. They must take due care in procuring ingredients that are appropriate for their manufacturing operation so the final products will comply with the Regulations.