Successful Feed Regulators Meeting held

The 12th annual International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) organised by the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together feed industry representatives and government officials from around the world to discuss critical issues facing the feed sector with IFIF and the FAO.

Discussing key feed issues

“I am delighted we had a record number of participants from across the world and from key regulatory bodies join us at the 12th IFRM in Bangkok, including many from Asia. This meeting, yet again, proved to be an important opportunity for the global feed industry and feed regulators to discuss key issues for the feed and food chain, including Codex Alimentarius work relevant to feed and programmes for capacity development for feed safety,” said Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF executive director. Ms Athayde added: “This dialogue is an important example of the private sector collaborating with the FAO and regulators from around the world and we believe that only by working together can we continue to ensure feed and food safety, while meeting the global demands for food sustainably.”

Becoming more responsible and sustainable

“The success of this meeting is proof that FAO efforts to facilitate dialogue between the public and private sector are worthwhile,” said Daniela Battaglia, Animal Production Officer, Animal Production and Health Division of the FAO. Ms Battaglia added: “Feed operators can valuably contribute to make the livestock and food sectors more responsible and sustainable and to achieve other important goals such as food security, public health, and animal health and welfare. The IFRM is an important opportunity to exchange ideas among stakeholders from around the world and to coordinate our efforts towards common goals.” Other topics discussed at the 12th IFRM included AMR, feed safety risk assessment and carry-over of residues of veterinary drugs from feed to food, as well as a session on the work of the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF), which aims for convergence of technical requirements specific to feed additive/ingredient authorisation across regions.