Surveying selected European feed and livestock production chains for features enabling the case-specific post-market monitoring of livestock for intake and potential health impacts of animal feeds derived from genetically modified crops. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kleter, Gijs; McFarland, Sarah; Bach, Alex; Bernabucci, Umberto; Bikker, Paul; Busani, Luca; Kok, Esther; Kostov, Kaloyan; Nadal, Anna; Pla, Maria; Ronchi, Bruno; Terre, Marta; Einspanier, Ralf
• Is Part Of: Food and chemical toxicology. Volume 117(2018)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Livestock -- Feed production chain -- Genetically modified crops -- Post-market monitoring -- Regulation -- Traceability; EFSA European Food Safety Authority -- EU European Union -- FEFAC European Feed Manufacturers' Federation -- GM genetically modified -- GMO Genetically modified organism; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Food poisoning -- Periodicals; Food Poisoning -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicologie -- Périodiques; Intoxications alimentaires -- Périodiques; Food poisoning; Toxicology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6915

Abstract

Abstract: This review, which has been prepared within the frame of the European Union (EU)-funded project MARLON, surveys the organisation and characteristics of specific livestock and feed production chains (conventional, organic, GM-free) within the EU, with an emphasis on controls, regulations, traceability, and common production practices. Furthermore, an overview of the origin of animal feed used in the EU as well as an examination of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed is provided. From the data, it shows that livestock is traceable at the herd or individual level, depending on the species. Husbandry practices can vary widely according to geography and animal species, whilst controls and checks are in place for notifiable diseases and general health symptoms (such as mortality, disease, productive performance). For feeds, it would be possible only to make coarse estimates, at best, for the amount of GM feed ingredients that an animal is exposed to. Labeling requirements are apparently correctly followed. Provided that confounding factors are taken into account, practices such as organic agriculture that explicitly involve the use of non-GM feeds could be used for comparison to those involving the use of GM feed. Highlights: EU regulations enable tracing of livestock in production chains focusing on animal identification and infectious diseases. Different livestock sectors vary within the EU, but production practices are similar for large-scale producers. It is not possible to trace all feed in the EU back to the farm of origin, to quantify distribution/proportion of GMOs. Available data indicate the majority of GM feed materials are correctly labelled. Organic systems prohibit the use of GM feed, enabling to examine production chains without the use of GMOs.