The following is the text of a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, dated 30 April 2001, concerning the 'feeding to livestock of by-products from the food industry: ban on swill-feeding'

I am sorry for the delay in responding to your paper dated 27 March on the Government's proposals to ban the feeding of swill and related products.

The majority view of the Council is that the arguments in favour of banning the feeding of swill to any farmed animal are very persuasive. Whilst recognising that swill feeding if properly practised is an efficient way of utilising catering waste, and has a particular use in relation to the feeding of cull sows, it is felt that the risks inherent in swill feeding outweigh the economic benefits. Moreover, the likelihood of EU wide legislation reinforces the need for such a ban.

We consider that the proposed ban should include fish and poultry by-products fed as swill on farm. We would also have reservation about separating non-meat catering waste from that containing meat or meat products without risk of contamination.

We are content with your proposal for a 3-4 week transitional period in the event of swill feeding being banned.