Producers, feed industry need to maintain feed tracking records

Livestock producers need to adopt more consistent procedures and better records when it comes to feed handling as Canada works to assure the world it has a safe food production system, says an officer with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Feed safety has to be demonstrated in both deed and word, at all levels of the feed production and distribution system, says Tom Spiller, a plant health and production officer with CFIA in Edmonton. That means producers need to follow improved feed handling procedures and keep detailed records to document the process.

"These requirements aren't new, but we're not seeing the level of compliance that's needed," he says. "Especially in light of the BSE issue of 2003, we need to show the world our food safety chain is above question."

The requirements in the 1997 Health of Animals Act apply to feed manufacturers, renderers, importers, retailers, feed haulers and producers, says Spiller, who recently spoke at the Banff Pork Seminar. At the farm level, they particularly apply to multi-species operations, which may have some combination of cattle, hogs or poultry (ruminants and non-ruminants) and therefore may use different feeds.

The Act requires livestock producers to maintain two years worth of records of feed purchases and feed ingredients, and have a written procedure for feed handling on the farm, when there is a risk of cross contamination. The procedure should detail how storage facilities, mixing and distribution equipment are cleaned between different feed batches and types. As well, producers need to record when equipment and facilities were cleaned.

A similar process is required of feed manufacturers and retailers. Their records need to show what type of feed they're buying and when. They also have to document how feed and feed ingredients are stored and handled.

The purpose of the procedures and records is to track and ensure proper use of all animal-based proteins used in livestock feed. Since 1997, all rendered protein products derived from almost all mammals (other than porcine, or equine, excluding milk, blood, gelatin, rendered animal fat or their derivatives) are banned for use in ruminant feed. These proteins are described as "prohibited materials." Feed rations containing these proteins cannot be fed to ruminant or cud-chewing animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, elk and bison.

However these "prohibited materials" can be used in non-ruminant livestock feeds, such as rations for hogs, poultry and horses. Any feed products containing these materials must be clearly identified and bear a label that reads: "Do not feed to cattle, sheep, deer or other ruminants."

Farmers, feed manufacturers and renderers are required to take steps to avoid cross-contamination by providing clear labelling, separate storage and dedicated equipment. Where non-dedicated equipment is used, they need to have procedures in place, such as flushing or physical cleaning of the equipment, to prevent cross-contamination of ruminant feeds with prohibited material.

"In some of our on-farm and feed industry investigations we're finding there is potential for cross-contamination," says Spiller. "The problem is without records you can't audit, and without an audit you can't provide proof. And without proof, everything remains questionable."

While the process requires more management, Spiller says it is in keeping with industry trends. "No one likes more paperwork, but our process is part of what's being driven by the industry and the market," he says. "All efforts are aimed at showing the world our food safety chain cannot be questioned."

Along with re-emphasizing the need for improved procedures and record keeping, Spiller notes the federal government is also reviewing three options to expand the existing feed ban. The government is also updating regulations for the manufacture of medicated feeds and strengthening policy for animals contaminated with toxic substances such as seed treated with herbicides or fungicides. Those regulatory changes are being considered in 2004.

The Banff Pork Seminar is co-ordinated by the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, in co-operation with Alberta Pork, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and other pork industry representatives. This year's seminar played host to more than 700 delegates from throughout North America and Europe.

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