INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 25 April 2008
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
Feed contamination investigation
Animal Health (AH) is currently conducting an investigation and tracing exercise after taking routine samples from wheat feed stock at a feed business operator on 31 March.
Along with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Animal Health is investigating a potential feed contamination incident involving the presence of a low level of material of animal origin in wheat feed that was intended for animal feed. The materials involved are muscle fibre, animal bone and fish bone. Animal Health is tracing any mills and farms which may have received the feed, and is putting immediate restrictions in place where necessary.
This incident relates entirely to animal feed materials. A veterinary risk assessment is being conducted to determine if there is any risk to animal health. There is currently no evidence of any risk to public health.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has alerted the feed industry, which has been co-operating with Animal Health to progress the investigation.
Its alert can be accessed at www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/apr/feedcontam
End
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Page published: 25 April 2008