Separating the sushi from the salami

New regulations for food retailers – a great opportunity for rethinking your waste streams.

On 31 December 2005, the Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (ABPR) came into force in England following a one-year transition period (parallel legislation covers Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

ABPR applies to any retail business that sells food - from supermarkets to corner shops - and it has been introduced because of concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the way we deal with waste meat and other animal by-products.

Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise Programme Director, commented:

"These changes impact on companies throughout the food and drink industry, and many will need to identify alternative methods of disposal".

This may take time and effort, but it represents a golden opportunity to rethink your food handling practices. For instance, smaller retailers might choose to enter into sale-or-return deals with their suppliers, instead of having to introduce special disposal regimes for unsold stock.

It might sound complicated, but don’t worry, Envirowise is on hand to help out:

• read this three-point plan to check how you might be affected;
• contact the confidential Envirowise Advice Line for free advice and guidance;
• all the relevant documentation for the ABPR, including a handy summary leaflet can be obtained from defra. You can also email: animal-by-products@defra.gsi.gov.uk

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