Undesirable Substances in Feed
Directive (2002/32/EC) (pdf 202Kb) is intended to control undesirable substances which can occur naturally in feedingstuffs, such as heavy metals, dioxins, toxic weed seeds, mycotoxins, etc. Since it is impossible to eliminate most of these substances from feedingstuffs, maximum permitted levels are fixed at a level which prevents adverse effects on animal or consumer health. The Regulation applies to all feeds fed to all animals, including pets and animals in the wild.
Where a feedingstuff contains an undesirable substance in excess of the maximum permitted level, it must be removed from the feed chain.
The Regulation also introduces a provision designed to reduce or eliminate certain sources of contamination. When the background level for an undesirable substance is exceeded Member States are required to investigate the cause of the contamination and take appropriate action. In order to ensure a harmonized approach between Member States, provision is made in the Regulation for the fixing of Action Thresholds in certain cases.
Other relevant EU Directives and Regulations
- Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (pdf 668Kb) sets out the requirements for the determination of levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feedingstuffs
- Commission Recommendation (2006/88/EC) on the reduction of the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in feedingstuffs and foodstuffs (pdf 45Kb)
- Commission Recommendation on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 and fumonisins in products intended for animal feeding (pdf 42Kb)
- Commission Recommendation on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal products (pdf 57Kb)
