Technical

In response to the spread of BSE among cattle, EU regulation 1774/2002/EC gives rulings on such matters as the categorisation and handling of fats of animal origin. In simplified form the categories are characterised as follows:

Category 1

derived mainly from animals affected by diseases (e.g. BSE). Material of this category includes both specified high-risk material from slaughter / butchery and also animal cadavers and parts from which the high risk material has not been removed.

Category 2

includes primarily dead animals that have died for reasons other than disease and have not been slaughtered (“fallen” animals). This category also includes body parts from animals not suitable for slaughter and material from animals not approved for slaughter.

Category 3

contains animal by-products from slaughter, butchery and meat processing which originate from animals certified as healthy by vets. This material is not used for human consumption and is therefore left over. The various categories of animal by-products must remain strictly separated from the time of production until the time of use. If different categories are mixed, all the material involved is allocated to the “worse” category.

Category 1 and 2 material goes mainly for thermal recycling and, under the conditions specified by regulation 878/2004/EC, for technical use. However Category 3 material has more varied potential uses.

Material for use as fuel or raw material for biodiesel production is in great demand in the energy sector. This is leading to ever greater reductions in the amounts reaching the classical areas of use – oleochemistry, pet foods and the uses in livestock feeds that are permitted by the different national laws in Europe.

Please contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you.
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