These Regulations implement key EU rules namely EC Regulation 1069/2009 and Commission Regulation 142/2011 within England to ensure the safe handling, use, and disposal of animal by-products (ABPs) not intended for human consumption. Their core objective is to safeguard both public and animal health by mitigating risks associated with such materials.
These Regulations apply to all operators in England who handle ABPs, from creation to disposal. That includes:
The Animal By‑Products (Enforcement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 introduced a new definition and added Regulation 7A, which permits the collection, transport and disposal of certain Category 3 materials through authorised landfill or approved biogas and composting plants, subject to conditions.
The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 were amended to ensure alignment with the handling and enforcement requirements for animal by‑products, particularly in relation to port health authorities.
The Animal By‑Products and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 made changes following the UK’s exit from the European Union by converting EU definitions and references within the 2013 Regulations into retained UK law to ensure continuity of enforcement.
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2018 replaced earlier TSE references in the 2013 Regulations to align prohibited Specified Risk Materials and related requirements with updated domestic legislation.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Miscellaneous Amendments etc.) Regulations 2019 made minor adjustments to cross‑references, definitions and thresholds within the 2013 Regulations to maintain consistency with wider animal health and environmental legislation.
The River Tees Port Health Authority Order 2016 expanded the jurisdiction of port health authorities to include enforcement of the 2013 Regulations, enabling controls on animal by‑products at river ports.
The Weymouth Port Health Authority Order 2017 provided similar provisions, extending enforcement powers under the 2013 Regulations to port health authorities at Weymouth.
1. Research and Education
Animal by-products can be used for research, teaching, diagnosis, or exhibitions without full approval, if authorised.
2. Feeding Certain Animals
Some ABPs (like raw meat) can be fed to pets, zoo animals, reptiles, birds of prey, worms, and maggots, under strict conditions.
3. Use as Fertiliser
Manure, milk, and similar low-risk materials can be spread on land as fertiliser, with some safety rules.
4. On-Site Disposal in Remote Areas
Burial or burning of ABPs is allowed in remote places (like islands) or during disease outbreaks when transport isn’t practical.
5. Burial of Pet Animals
Pets and horses can be buried on private land under certain conditions.
6. Older Processing Methods
Businesses may continue using approved ABP processing methods that were in place before March 2011.
7. Simplified Transport and Farm Movements
Manure and other low-risk materials can be moved between farms without full paperwork. Simpler documents may also be used for some ABP transport.
The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013 amended the Criminal Justice Act 1925 by updating provisions related to offences and penalties in connection with the enforcement of animal by-product regulations, ensuring consistency in prosecuting breaches.
The Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 was amended to facilitate the prosecution process for offences under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations, clarifying court procedures and jurisdiction.
The Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991 were updated to include requirements for carriers transporting animal by-products, including provisions for registration and vehicle seizure to support enforcement efforts.
The Animal By-Products (Identification) Regulations 1995 were amended to align identification and labelling requirements with the enforcement framework introduced in the 2013 Regulations, ensuring traceability and control of animal by-products.
The Animal By-Products (Identification) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 incorporated additional changes to identification processes, refining definitions and compliance expectations consistent with the new enforcement measures.
The Animal By-Products (Identification) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2002 and the Animal By–Products (Identification) (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 further adjusted identification standards and enforcement mechanisms specific to England, maintaining alignment with the 2013 Regulations.
The Animal By-Products (Identification) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003 introduced further refinements to identification and handling procedures, supporting the enforcement regime.
The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (England) Order 2006 was amended to integrate animal by-product enforcement measures, particularly relating to disease control and disposal of affected materials.
The Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Poultry) (England) Order 2006 and the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (England) Order 2006 were updated to ensure consistency between disease control measures and the management of animal by-products potentially carrying the virus.
The Cattle Identification Regulations 2007 were amended to enhance traceability requirements for cattle, supporting enforcement actions relating to animal by-products.
The Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) Order 2007 was updated to delegate and clarify regulatory functions in relation to animal by-product enforcement.
The Animal Gatherings Order 2010 was amended to incorporate controls on animal by-products arising from gatherings, helping to manage risks associated with disease transmission.
The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 (revoked) were originally amended to integrate animal by-product management into the environmental permitting framework before being revoked.
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2010 were amended to align prohibitions and controls on specified risk materials with the enforcement provisions of the 2013 Regulations, supporting disease prevention efforts related to animal by-products.
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