Animal Feedingstuffs Research Programme

The aim of the programme is to improve our understanding of the pathways by which contaminants arise in animal feed. This will enable an assessment of the risks to human and animal health posed by such contaminants and other chemicals and micro-organisms present in feed, and to try to identify means of reducing such risks. The programme supports the Agency's strategy on the chemical safety of food. It contributes to the strategic aims of ensuring that substances present in food do not compromise food safety and of having practical controls in place.

The programme has carried out research into levels of a range of contaminants including dioxins, PCBs, heavy metals, mycotoxins and additives present in animal feeds; particularly where these have a potential impact on human and animal health. This programme also funded the development of appropriate methods of analysis for vitamin D3 in animal and pet feed. An EU-wide project was carried out to develop and validate methods of analysis for the isolation and enumeration of probiotic species in animal feedingstuffs. A literature review was carried out on the safety of use of Bacillus species probiotics in the feed of animals and potential adverse effects on animal and human health.

The programme funded research that investigated the presence or absence of transgenic DNA (t-DNA) and proteins that may be incorporated into the tissues and organs of food-producing animals fed a diet containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The transfer of functional transgenic DNA and proteins into the tissues of livestock, gastrointestinal tract flora or milk has to be established as a key element in assessment of risk.

Name: Ray Smith
Tel: 020 7276 8474
Email: ray.smith@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk