Re: January 2007 Update on Feed Enforcement Activities to Limit the Spread of BSE

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From: TSS ()
Subject: Re: January 2007 Update on Feed Enforcement Activities to Limit the Spread of BSE
Date: January 15, 2007 at 8:12 pm PST

In Reply to: January 2007 Update on Feed Enforcement Activities to Limit the Spread of BSE posted by TSS on January 13, 2007 at 11:30 am:

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FEED SAFETY Chair: Kevin G. Custer, Des Moines,
IA Vice Chair: Richard Sellers, Arlington, VA David C. Ailor, DC; Roy D.
Brister, AR; Eric C. Gonder, NC; C. Ross Hamilton, TX; Jay Hawley, IN; Larry
E. Hendricks, IL; Tom Holder, MD; Rex D. Holt, GA; David C. Kradel, PA;
Elizabeth A. Lautner, IA; Gerald G. May, OH; David L. Meeker, VA; Gary D.
Osweiler, IA; Jane F. Robens, MD; James E. Stocker, NC; H. Wesley Towers,
DE; Elizabeth K. Wagstrom, IA; W. Douglas Waltman, GA; Gary L. Waters, MT.
The Committee met at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
Monday, October 16, 2006, 1:00-6:00 p.m., LaSalle Room. Twenty-three members
and quest were present. Dr. Burt Pritchett, Center for Veterinary Medicine
(CVM), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gave an update on agency
activities relative to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the Animal
Feed Safety System (AFSS) and contaminant limits. • BSE – The proposed rule
(589.2001) to enhance the “feed rule” was published on October 6, 2005. CVM
remains committed to publishing a final rule, but it is unlikely that
publication will take place this year. FDA agrees that the economic impact
was under estimated and is conducting a new economic evaluation. Carcass
disposal is a major issue and revisions are needed relative to the
environmental assessment. • AFSS – is a comprehensive, risk-based system for
feed manufacture and distribution to minimize risks to animal and human
health. It is intended to tie together regulation, policy and guidance. The
goal is to complete the AFSS by the end of 2007. • Contaminant Limits –
There is a lack of process for distinguishing feed hazards based upon their
relative risks (Risk = Hazard x Exposure). The Feed Contaminants Program is
scheduled for completion in 2010. Dr. Aaron Scott, Veterinary Services (VS),
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) gave an update on BSE surveillance activities. To
date, 189,000+ cases of BSE have been diagnosed. Of those, 89 percent
occurred prior to 1997, and more than 96 percent have occurred in the United
Kingdom (UK). USDA has conducted active surveillance since 1990.
Surveillance is to monitor the presence of the disease in cattle, not to
identify every case. The enhanced surveillance program began in June 2004
and ended in August 2006. More than 785,000 samples were analyzed. Two
positive samples were identified. The conclusion of the enhanced
surveillance program is that BSE prevalence is less than one infected animal
per one million adult cattle. Dr. Scott emphasized the importance of
clinical history accompanying samples, as those samples will carry more
relative weight in the analysis of the data. Dr. Eric Nelson, President,
American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), gave an update on
association activities. AAFCO’s Model Feed Safety Program is designed to
elevate the scope and effectiveness of current laws and regulations, and
emerging systems and practices. The program will fill in the gaps of
regulations and increase stakeholder participation. Richard Sellers, Vice
President, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), gave an update on the
association’s Safe Feed/Safe Food program. The association is also
monitoring European Union (EU) 183, which could put Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Point (HACCP) requirements on feed ingredients imported
into the EU. Dr. David Meeker, Vice President, National Renderers
Association (NRA), gave an update on the association’s Code of Practice
Certification for rendering facilities, and rendered animal product blending
facilities. Mr. Richard Sellers, AFIA introduced a new business item
questioning the relevancy of the Committee on Feed Safety? Chair Custer
responded that the relevance of a Committee is based upon issues addressed
and resolutions generated. Only six of the twenty-two committee members
attended the meeting. Discussions included the importance and need for a
standing Committee on Feed Safety or could the Committee issues be
distributed to another Committee. The Chair will be working with USAHA’s
Executive Committee in reviewing how best to address the feed safety issues
at USAHA.