Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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382. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the lifting of the ban on processed animal protein feed for livestock by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As a response to the BSE crisis of the early 1990’s, the EU introduced a feed ban in 1994 on the feeding of mammalian Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) and Processed Animal Protein (PAP) to cattle, sheep and goats. In subsequent years, the feed ban was supplemented with provisions prohibiting intra-species recycling. This principle generally applies to all food-producing animals, including pigs and poultry. PAP was previously used in feed as it is a rich source of protein.

In April 2021, the Standing Committee for Plants, Animals, Food and Feed delivered a favourable opinion on amending EU legislation to re-authorise the feeding of PAP from poultry to pigs and PAP from pigs to poultry. This legislative amendment is viewed as a contribution to the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ policy and the ‘Farm to-Fork’ strategy for sustainable food. It is widely accepted that there is a deficit of proteins available for animal feed in the EU and the Commission proposal was seen as offering the industry the opportunity to partially replace imported soybean and fish meal with high quality proteins processed from local animal by-products or insects. Furthermore, the use of PAP was considered to optimize the use of scarce resources and avoid waste.

There will inevitably be requirements in terms of avoiding cross contamination and in particular in relation to the transport of feed. Feed premises that are intending to use PAP in poultry or pig rations will be required to take account of the risks and amend their procedures. The Department will be taking an active role in ensuring compliance with EU feed law in this regard.

The ban on the use of PAP in feed to cows and sheep and the prohibition on intra-species recycling will continue.