IT WAS ON 1 JULY 2006 THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR ANIMAL PROTEINS IN FEEDINGSTUFFS (EURL-AP) STARTED OPERATING AT THE CRA-W.

Involved in the eradication of transmis­sible spongiform encephalopathies such as mad cow disease, The mission of the EURL-AP focuses on the detection and identification of pro­hibited animal proteins in livestock feed. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, a day dedicated to the topic of “Animal protein in feed, a solution towards autonomy and sustainability?” was organised on 22 September at the Palais des Congrès in Na­mur. This event provided the opportunity to evaluate the activities of the EURLAP but also to bring up the challenges and possibilities in this area. Various first-hand accounts helped to illustrate the interac­tions between the EURL-AP and the Euro­pean Commission and the 27 national reference laboratories, and with other stakeholders, particularly the agro-food industry, in order to achieve harmonious and effective monitoring of legislation. The presentations delivered that day can be viewed the links below.

Welcome – Gilbert Berben (EURL-AP Director, CRA-W)

Short overview of CRA-W – René Poismans (General Director, CRA-W)

The EU needs the EURL-AP : The EURL-AP support to official controls and economic growth – Eric Thévenard (DG Sante, EU Commission)

Ten years in a nutshell with some history and figures – Vincent Baeten (EURL-AP Deputy Director, CRA-W)

EURL-AP  and Italian NRL-AP: a long lasting relationship – Daniela Marchis (Head of the Italian NRL-AP)

Experience with methods for species detection and identification – Pieter Dercks (EFPRA, Darling Ingredients International)

Detection of processed animal proteins: Milestones towards fit-for-purpose methods – Christoph von Holst (JRC Geel, EU Commission)

Future of protein sourcing for feed use: promises and challenges for the EU feed industry – Arnaud Bouxin (Deputy Secretary General, FEFAC)

Opportunities and Constraints for Farming INSECTS to feed livestock and pet animals: a global overview – Paul Vantomme (FAO)

Lessons learned in Belgium : Their influence on our views of the future of animal products in feed – Christophe Keppens (Belgian Food Safety Agency)

Conclusions and acknowledgements – Pierre Dardenne (Head of Department, CRA-W)