July 16, 2008
EU panel recommends common standard for eliminating salmonella in feed
Salmonella has emerged as the gravest biological threat to animal feed, with other bacteria such as Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes), E. coli (Escherichia coli O157 : H7) and Clostridium spp. having less importance, according to a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The Biological Hazards Panel (BIOHAZ) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was recently asked by the European Commission to deliver a scientific opinion on microbiological risk assessment in feeding stuffs for food-producing animals.
The panel having highlighted the seriousness of the salmonella threat, called for a common EU standard in dealing with the bacteria.
The Panel concentrated on industrially produced feed in its evaluation, as this type of feed is most at risk from Salmonellacontamination.
Oilseed meal and animal-derived protein are the main type of feed materials introducing Salmonella into industrially produced feed.
Although industrially produced feed is generally heat-treated during the production process to kill Salmonella and other bacteria, it can become recontaminated following the industrial process during cooling and further handling, the panel said.
Heat treatment is generally recognised as the most effective decontamination method.
However, chemical treatment may offer an alternative means of protection from Salmonella and other microbiological risks. The Panel called for more research on the efficiency of chemical feed decontaminants in combating Salmonella.
EFSA''s BIOHAZ Panel also recommended a baseline survey on the testing of Salmonella in feed across the EU to ensure comparable data between Member States, and to inform decisions to improve the control of Salmonella in feed production.
Other recommendations include effective implementation of Good Manufacturing and Good Hygiene practices, and HACCP principles throughout the feed chain. Proper control of recontamination, and effective heat treatment at feed production plants should also be ensured, the panel said.
The panel also said there is a need to establish hygiene criteria along the feed production chain (testing for Salmonella at key sampling points at crushing plants, rendering plants and feed mills, as well as on the end product).
A common EU standard method for monitoring Salmonella in animal feed should urgently be validated for use in feed, the panel said.