BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE) inspections focus on careful evaluation which includes raw materials, correct labeling, preventing cross-contamination and keeping production and distribution records.
NMDA works with the US Food and Drug Administration to inspect renderers, feed manufacturers, distributors and animal production facilities. This is for compliance with regulations that prohibit specific animal proteins in ruminant feeds. These federal regulations are designed to prevent BSE from spreading within the United States and are often referred to as the “Ruminant Feed Ban”.
- All feeds containing prohibited material (prohibited mammalian protein) must be prominently labeled. The label must include the BSE Cautionary Statement “Do Not Feed To Cattle Or Other Ruminants”. Pet food products and feed for non-ruminant laboratory animals often contain prohibited material. However, they are exempt from this label requirement as long as they are intended for retail sale. However, if they are sold or are intended for sale as distressed or salvage items, provide the BSE Cautionary Statement.
- Whenever prohibited material is handled by equipment that also handles ruminant feed, then document it. Any used equipment cleanout procedures that have been tested and found to be effective must be documented and followed. Each cleanout must be recorded and these records must be kept for one year.
- Ruminant feeders are responsible for making sure that ruminants under their care do not have access to feeds. These include pet food, hog feed and poultry feed that may legally contain prohibited materials.
For more information, please contact NMDA with your BSE related questions.