RED-TAPE REDUCTION FOR PET FOOD AND ANIMAL FEED

5.28.00pm GMT Fri 7th Mar 2008

A local Euro-MP has welcomed moves by the European Commission to reduce red tape involved in the labelling of animal feed and pet food. This will save time and money for the agriculture industry and provide better information for pet-owners on the products they buy.

The proposals adopted this week will get rid of administrative and technical requirements which have been made obsolete by the newer, integrated 'farm to fork' food safety rules.

Liz Lynne MEP, LibDem European Agriculture Spokesperson for England and Wales, said:

"This is a positive move which will make life easier for farmers locally and across the EU in the wake of soaring feed prices in recent months.

"While reducing administration it will not however reduce the high standards set at EU level for public or animal health.

"The new proposals will also leave pet-owners better informed about the contents of the food they are buying for their animals."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The draft regulation requires clear labelling of name and address of the supplier, a list of feed additives and net weight. Specific requirements are also included for compound feed (which includes pet food), feed materials and dietetic feed (feed for specific nutritional purposes). Any claim made must be substantiated and dietetic feed must be included on a list of evaluated intended uses.