Milchindustrieverband (MIV), the German dairy association, is to crack down on tainted or suspect dairy products by introducing spot checks on material going into animal feed. The proposed scheme will require the voluntary co-operation of milk processors, farmers and cattle feed suppliers countrywide.
Spot checks and certification schemes will be partly financed by the dairy industry and will be carried out over and above current EU and local authority food hygiene controls.
The intention, claimed MIV, is to improve the quality of milk and to regain consumer confidence following recent animal disease and food residue crises. Residues checked for under the new programme will include aflatoxin, dioxin and PCB.
MIV’s Gisela Rung said a collective programme of control was necessary following industry calls for checks on the quality and contents of feed being given to cows.