California Renderers Focus on Regulations and Animal Disease By Tina Caparella M embers of the Pacific Coast Renderers Association (PCRA) gathered in late February to discuss pressing issues that ran the gamut from animal disease and new government regulations to sustainability and the loss of raw materials in California. National Renderers Association (NRA) Chairman Ross Hamilton, Darling International, Inc. began the day with a reminder that the industry needs to balance the intricacies of regulatory compliance, public image, and its service to the agriculture sector. He noted the current challenges to renderers are the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), industry consolidation, and the role of rendering as essential to society. As for FSMA, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) proposed rule for animal food was written more like the human food standard than the feed and rendering industries expected. One concern Hamilton mentioned is that the proposed rule lists decomposition, which begins as soon as the animal dies, as a hazard that has to be controlled. “FDA will be looking over our shoulder more so than they ever have before,” he warned. The feed and rendering industries are requesting an extension of the March 31, 2014, deadline for comments on the proposed rule. A second proposed rule on transportation was released just prior to PCRA’s meeting that will also have to be examined and responded to by industry. Hamilton next addressed the recent outbreak of PEDV, which is fatal in baby pigs. Although not a reportable disease, the virus was confirmed in the United States last spring, and as of late February 2014, has been found in more than 3,500 farms in 26 states. It was also detected in Ontario, Canada, in January and has since spread to the provinces of Manitoba, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. He explained that the virus thrives in cold and damp weather, two elements experienced this winter in large areas of the United States and Canada. A very severe situation for the pork industry, there is still a lot unknown about transmission of the virus but feces are the most common source for spreading along with birds and rodents. It has also been found on vehicles and worker’s boots, but it does not affect humans or other animals so it is not a food safety issue and there are no trade restrictions. NRA and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) have been very active in defending the safety of feed, rendered products, and spray dried blood. Hamilton showed how the rendering process inactivates PEDV and that warmer temperatures should slow the spread of the virus. Hamilton declared the RFS important to the rendering industry as it provides market access and diversity for rendered products. He noted that the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed reduction for biofuels used in the country’s fuel is troubling and most likely linked to the food versus fuel debate without merit. Hamilton then revealed that global vegetable oil production has consistently exceeded demand for food use and new “waste” oil sources, such as dried distillers grain corn oil, are increasingly being used to produce biodiesel in addition to animal fats and used cooking oil, all of which significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (see chart 1). The cost of producing biomass-based diesel from animal fats has dropped over the last three years due to more efficient technologies. Hamilton provided some key points on why rendering is a “provider of solutions,” such as it reduces/controls greenhouse gases, recycles to preserve landfills, and prevents and manages animal disease outbreaks. He noted that in the past, consumers most often believed activists, although a recent study suggests they may now trust the government more than before. Hamilton remarked that the rendering industry spends a lot of time educating regulators and politicians when perhaps time should also be spent informing the general public. Switching focus to sustainability was Ridley Bestwick, West Coast Reduction, Ltd. in Vancouver, BC, Canada, who announced that the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association just launched its new website that is all about sustainability. PCRA awarded Tom Cook (center), past NRA president, its coveted Tallowmaster Award, presented by Andy Andreoli (left), and recognized Cook’s wife, Judy, for her support. 16 April 2014 Render www.rendermagazine.com
Render_Apr14
To see the actual publication please follow the link above