ERM is edible material that remains after, or is not used in, the processing, manufacture, preparation, serving or sale of food.

The feeding of ERM containing meat or meat by-products to swine and poultry was prohibited in 2001 following the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the UK. Currently permitted ERMs include bread, vegetables, pasteurized milk, and manufactured vegetable waste.

The mandate of the Health of Animals Regulations is to control the introduction and/or spread of animal disease. The import, manufacture and sale of livestock feeds is regulated under the Feeds Act and Regulations, the federal authority under which the safety and efficacy of feed is controlled.

The proposed amendments will help maintain and expand export markets for Canadian livestock producers where those markets require that swine and poultry not be exposed to ERM in feed.

The CFIA has consulted with major industry organizations and animal health practitioners in the development of the proposed changes.

For additional information, visit: www.inspection.gc.ca