Pig and Poultry Protein Rule Change Put on Hold
Feed Protein Reforms Await EU SPS Agreement
Planned regulatory changes to allow the use of processed animal protein (PAP) from pigs and poultry in animal feed have been delayed. Now, implementation is contingent on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU.
According to reporting by Farmers Guardian, both the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Welsh Government have confirmed their intention to re-permit PAP use — a practice banned since the 1990s following the BSE crisis. However, they have acknowledged that progress is on hold.
Officials indicated that alignment with EU rules is necessary to avoid trade friction. This is particularly vital for livestock products moving between Great Britain and the EU. Without an SPS agreement in place, the reintroduction of PAP could complicate export certification. It could also affect border controls.
Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the policy direction, citing sustainability, circular economy benefits and reduced reliance on imported feed proteins. Meanwhile, frustration remains over the lack of a clear timetable. Thus, businesses are unable to plan investment or reformulation until regulatory certainty is restored.
The delay underscores how post-Brexit regulatory flexibility remains closely tied to EU market access considerations, especially in feed and livestock policy.
Source: Farmers Guardian | 19 January 2026
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