The role of rendering in relation to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic, the development of <scp>EU</scp> animal by?product legislation and the reintroduction of rendered products into animal feeds

The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in 1986 highlighted the importance of rendering industry as a key component food supply chain. Prior to was poorly understood. However, following emergence BSE research commissioned characterise systems and investigate their ability inactivate transmissible (TSE) agents. Six were found be operational Europe but process parameters, such particle size, temperature transit time, characterised. This review describes how these parameters determined used inform protocols for subsequent TSE inactivation trials which subsequently shaped both EU legislation development techniques validate systems. It also banning use animal-derived proteins animal feeds ('feed ban') effectively eliminated market meat bone meal (MBM) sought 'add value' rendered products by conducting support new markets products. nutritional, environmental economic characteristics modern processed (PAPs) mean that they represent valuable ingredients feeds. Recent has paved way legislative changes allowing safe reintroduction nonruminant PAP into aqua-feeds may soon facilitate pig poultry resistance from stakeholders chain remains significant challenge must overcome before full potential can realised. Further is required PAPS ensure appropriate, acceptable inclusion