Pforzheim: Local council decides on merger for animal carcass disposal

Pforzheim: Local council decides on merger for animal carcass disposal

Pforzheim is facing a crucial vote in the local council that could significantly influence the future of animal carcass disposal in southwest Germany. The occasion is the planned accession of the Animal By-Products Association Southwest to the Animal By-Products Association Neckar-Franken. The city councilors must now decide whether they agree to this step, because Pforzheim is already a member of the existing Neckar-Franken special purpose association, which requires approval from the local council. The aim of the accession is to optimize the animal carcass disposal processes, which are currently carried out in two separate special-purpose associations, reports the PZ News.

But what are animal by-products and why is their elimination so important? These come from animals and are not suitable for human consumption. This includes not only animal carcasses, but also parts of animals and eggs that are not used for breeding purposes. Comprehensive regulation of these products is necessary to minimize health risks to humans and animals as well as environmental risks, emphasizes the BMEL. For example, previous epidemics such as foot and mouth disease have shown how serious the consequences of improper handling of such products can be.

From disposal to recycling

However, eliminating all animal by-products is not practical as this would lead to significant environmental and cost problems. Instead, there are various uses, such as in drug production and animal feed production. Nowadays, new technologies that enable the use of these by-products in energy production are also becoming increasingly important. But be careful: these technologies pose potential health risks.

To ensure safety regarding the use of animal by-products, they are divided into three risk categories:

• Kategorie 1: Muss durch Verbrennung oder Deponierung beseitigt werden.
• Kategorie 2: Kann kompostiert, in Biogas umgewandelt oder zur Herstellung organischer Düngemittel verwendet werden.
• Kategorie 3: Kann unter bestimmten Auflagen zur Herstellung von Futtermitteln genutzt werden.

The comprehensive Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009 regulates the disposal and use of animal by-products and has been in force since March 4, 2011. Additional provisions can be found in Regulation (EU) No. 142/2011, as the BMEL explains.

Security assessments and alternatives

Another important aspect is the role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which assesses the risks of animal by-products and whose recommendations are used for decisions in the EU. EFSA recently evaluated new alternatives to processing animal by-products, including technologies for producing biodiesel and biogas fertilizer. If the assessment is positive, these new methods can be incorporated into existing legislation, it is reported. An example of this is the partial lifting of the ban on processed animal protein in feed production, which argues for more flexible handling of these products.

Pforzheim is not only faced with a political decision, but also in the context of an important health issue that has effects far beyond the city limits. The local council will certainly need a good hand in voting in order to set the course for safe and sustainable animal carcass disposal.