RENDERING TRUCK FEES
FOR DEAD ANIMALS

The older we get, the more we complain.  Probably because we can remember a different day and time when things were certainly different than they are today.  However, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT TODAY so we must adapt.

The expanded Feed Rule (21CFR589.2001) that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will put into effect in the spring of 2009, prohibits the use of certain cattle materials in food or feed of all animals.  Among other things, prohibited materials include (1) the entire carcass of cattle 30 months and older not inspected and passed for human consumption unless the brain and spinal cord have been removed from such cattle (2) the entire carcass of cattle that test positive for BSE.  Collectively these materials are called "Cattle Material Prohibited From Animal Feed" (CMPAF).

Renderers that process cattle materials to be used as feed ingredients must be able to document that such materials are fee of CMPAF.

Consequently, Darling International (our and probably your rendering company) must first determine that age of cattle they collect.

If carcasses are suitable, Darling may have to then remove the brains and spinal cords from some of those cattle carcasses.  Condition of the carcasses will help determine whether we are able to process or dispose of them.

Each time we have a dead animal, we must have certification from you as the owner as to the age of the animal.

While Darling, as well as other major renderers around the country are experimenting with whether they can economically and safely separate and dispose of Specified High-Risk Materials (SRMs) from older cattle, many may simply elect to no longer pick up these animals, or if they do, they may begin charging a fee of perhaps $100.00 to $200.00 per animal.

This is only one of the far reaching, and perhaps unforseen, aspects of Feed Rule (21CFR589.2001).  Efforts are underway by our trade organization The Livestock Market Agency.  They would appreciate your views on this matter and you can do so by clicking on this link mailto:jhazaleus@lmaweb.com

In the mean time, we have no other option than to pass this cost to you as the owner of any dead animal.