|
The
Canadian Food Inspection Agency proposed key amendments
to federal regulations that it said will strengthen existing
animal feed controls, a CFIA release said. The amendments
are intended to further protect Canadian cattle from bovine
spongiform encephalopathy.
The
proposed amendments prohibit the use of specified-risk material
in animal feeds, including pet food. SRM are cattle tissues
brain, spinal cord, lymph nodes -- that may contain the
agent that causes BSE. The Canadian as well as the U.S.
government already requires the removal of SRM from the
human food supply, which is the most effective measure that
can be taken to protect public health from BSE.
As
a precautionary measure, the Canadian government implemented
a feed ban in 1997 prohibiting the feeding of ruminant animals
with most mammalian proteins. Preventing SRM from entering
the feed production chain enhances the existing feed ban
by diminishing the effects of potential cross-contamination
of animal feeds that could occur as feed is produced and
distributed, as well as any inappropriate on-farm use.
The
amendments also prohibit the use of SRM in fertilizers,
the release said. This provision is intended to prevent
the potential accidental or intentional misuse of fertilizers
as feed, CFIA stated. As well, it addresses the possibility
that contaminated grazing pastures could spread BSE, although
the current science surrounding the environmental behavior
of the disease is incomplete.
The
proposed regulations have been placed in the Canada Gazette
Part 1. A 75-day comment period ending February 24, 2005
is being provided to give regulated Canadian industries,
trading partners, and other interested parties the opportunity
to review the proposed amendments and provide the CFIA with
written comments.
|
