More and more safety breaches: the risks for animal feed

More and more safety breaches: the risks for animal feed

Animal feed is essential in the food chain. Not only for animal welfare, but also for the safety of our own food. Animal feed must therefore meet strict quality and safety standards . Figures from the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) and the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) show too many breaches every year.

We discuss the FASFC figures for 2023 and the RASFF figures for 2023 and 2024. We also explain the biggest risks.

What is the biggest bottleneck for animal feed in Belgium?

The most common hazard in Belgium is incorrect labels on animal feed, particularly on compound feed. Incorrect labelling is also in the global top five of most common hazards. In 2023 alone, the FASFC reported:

• 214 warnings, of which 142 related to labelling errors
• 44 official reports, of which 30 concerned labelling

Correct labelling is crucial. The label shows accurate information about the composition, intended uses and the presence of certain substances. This information is essential for the safe use of animal feed.

Which chemical contaminants occur most often?

In addition to labelling, chemical contaminants are also a point of attention. Dioxins, PCBs, and pesticide residues such as ambrosia in millet and hydrocyanic acid in linseed are the substances found most often.

Salmonella and enterobacteriaceae are the largest group of microbiological hazards. Salmonella mainly occurs in feed materials and compound feed. Enterobacteriaceae are frequently found in compound feed. These contaminations can have serious consequences for both animal and human health.

A risk that has increasingly emerged in compound feed in recent years is genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These can be banned GMOs or GMOs that are not stated on the label. Thespite checks, these substances are still regularly present. 

What is the top five of the most common hazards in Europe?

At international level, the RASFF system provides insight into cross-border hazards. Incorrect labelling is also common here, but most notifications concern microbiological hazards. 

De top five of the most common hazards is:

1. Moulds
2. Aflatoxins
3. Salmonella
4. Enterobacteria
5. Labelling errors

Figures from 2023 and 2024 show that more notifications were made than in previous years. Most notifications concern feed materials, specifically sugar beet pulp, sunflower seed meal and wheat bran.

In 2024, most hazards originated from France, and in 2023 from Ukraine. Belgium is the country that makes the most notifications. This is mainly due to the large amount of processing and the many checks carried out in our country.

A point of attention in the RASFF reports is the presence of pesticides. Chlorpyrifos was detected several times, as were dioxins, PCBs and ambrosia. A trend that was also observed by the FASFC.

Which new hazards should you watch out for?

In recent years, the number of notifications concerning ‘unusual hazards’ in animal feed has been rising. These are unknown or unexpected substances that sometimes enter the chain through contamination or fraud. These hazards are not yet known or included in companies' HACCP studies. 

The ‘unusual substances’ are naturally present in raw materials and subsequently cause a harmful effect:

• Microcystin is found in fish. This is a harmful substance that poses a risk for spirulina.
• Matrine is present in Sophora powder. This harmful substance was found in the feed material, as a result of which it was removed from the feed material register.
• Glycoalkaloids in Solanaceae (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines). A recommendation was established for this substance (2022/561). Although no legal rules have yet been set for it, vigilance remains necessary.

At the end of 2024, a curious phenomenon came to light: the so-called werewolf syndrome. Dogs' behaviour changed after eating specific dog chews from China. The case is still under investigation, but the problem was probably in the hides themselves. These were treated in India and were contaminated with certain treatment products that could explain the dogs' behavioural changes.

This story shows how important it is to monitor continuously.

Figures don't lie. Checks, awareness and traceability in the animal feed sector remain essential. An extra effort in correct labelling may seem like a small change, but it can make a huge difference. Vigilance and transparency are essential to protect both animals and people.