Pigs that eat poultry that eat pigs

The EU is spending €1.7 million (£1.15 million) on research which would allow the remains of pigs and chickens to be used as fodder.

The practice was banned by the EU in 2000 after the spread of BSE, commonly known as “mad cow” disease. BSE was blamed for infecting hundreds of people with the incurable brain disease vCJD.

The move will shock consumers and scientists, many of whom were angered by the use of animal remains in feed.

The Government told The Times last night that it was aware of the proposals to “relax” the ban.

The proposal comes from the European Economic and Social Committee, a statutory advisory committee to the EU. It follows pressure from farmers and food manufacturers concerned at the high cost of disposing of carcasses.

A minute from the committee says that pig meal should be allowed for chickens and that chicken remains should be fed to pigs.

“The EESC suggests that the European Commission pursue and step up as swiftly as possible the studies currently under way which clearly show that the use of meat meal from nonruminants can be used in pig and poultry feed without posing any danger to human health,” it reads. Meat and bone meal comprises 50 per cent animal remains (the pieces stuck to the bones of the animal after the best cuts have been removed), 35 per cent ash, 10 per cent fat and a little water.

Source: TimesOnline