Category 3 Animal By-Products

Category 3 animal by-products (ABP) are materials that pose the lowest risk and are often used in the production of pet food and animal feed. PEPITO focuses on rendering Category 3 animal fat, resulting in high-quality processed animal fats and processed animal proteins.

Category 3 animal by-products (ABP) are considered low-risk materials suitable for use in various industries, including pet food, animal feed, biofuels, and biogas production. This guide explores what Category 3 ABP includes, the handling and processing methods, and the regulatory framework ensuring safe use.

What are Category 3 Animal By-Products?

Category 3 ABP includes materials that are low-risk and safe for use in the production of pet food, animal feed, biofuels, and other products:

Parts of Slaughtered Animals: Includes parts that are fit for human consumption but not intended for human food for commercial reasons.
Animal By-Products from Food Production: By-products from the production of food for human consumption that are no longer intended for human consumption.
Products of Animal Origin: Includes products such as milk, milk-based products, and eggs that are no longer intended for human consumption.
Former Foodstuffs: Food products of animal origin, or containing products of animal origin, that are no longer intended for human consumption due to commercial reasons or defects that do not pose a risk to human health.

Handling and Processing Methods

Handling and processing of Category 3 ABP must follow stringent procedures to ensure safety and compliance:

Collection and Transportation

Special Containers: Category 3 materials must be collected and transported in appropriate, labelled containers.
Labelling: Containers must be clearly labelled as Category 3 ABP to prevent accidental misuse.

Rendering

Rendering Process: PEPITO specialises in the rendering of Category 3 animal fats, transforming them into processed animal fats and processed animal proteins. Read more about rendering.

Applications of Processed Animal Fats and Proteins

Category 3 ABP is versatile and finds applications across various industries:

Industry	Usage
Pet Food	Provides essential nutrients and enhances palatability in pet food formulations.
Animal Feed	Used in livestock feeds to provide a rich protein source.
Biofuels	Rendered fats can be converted into biodiesel, a renewable energy source.
Biogas Production	Certain by-products are used in anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, a sustainable energy source.
Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals	Certain by-products are used in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Regulatory and Quality Control

Ensuring the safety and quality of Category 3 ABP is paramount. The European Union has established stringent regulations to oversee the production and use of Category 3 ABP:

Traceability: All raw materials and end products must be traceable to their origin.
Hygiene Standards: Strict hygiene practices are mandated to prevent contamination during processing.
Microbiological Testing: Regular testing for pathogens to ensure product safety.
Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to EU regulations governing the processing and use of Category 3 materials.

Environmental Impact

Processing Category 3 ABP contributes significantly to environmental sustainability by converting by-products into valuable proteins and fats, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy.

Conclusion

Category 3 animal by-products (ABP) are essential components in the production of pet food, animal feed, biofuels, and biogas, providing high-quality, low-risk materials. PEPITO focuses on rendering Category 3 animal fat to produce processed animal fats and processed animal proteins, ensuring compliance with EU regulations.