ARCHIVE: BSE: Disease control & eradication - The feed ban - Methods of analysis

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency laboratory is the UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Animal Proteins in Feed. The NRL analyses official feed samples from the National Feed Audit using the Microscopic Analysis Test (MAT) and other tests as required.

Detection of Rendered Animal Structures by microscopy (MAT)

The microscopic analysis test (MAT) is the statutory method of analysis and Regulation (EC) No. 152/2009 specifies the technique. The MAT is capable of detecting visible structures of animal origin e.g. muscle fibres, cartilage, bone, horn, hair, bristles, blood, feather, egg shells, fish, bone and scales.

Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR)

The PCR test uses DNA technology, to detect animal material in feed and determine the species of origin.

Counter-Immuno Electrophoresis (CIE)

The CIE test is an immunological assay, which can detect non-heat treated or low- heat-treated animal proteins, such as blood products.

Test Development

The European project SAFEED-PAP is working to develop validated methods for determining the species of origin and for quantifying the amount of animal protein in feed.  Further information is available at http://safeedpap.feedsafety.org/

Further information

The Walloon Agricultural Research Centre is the Community Reference Laboratory for Animal Protein in Feed. Further information is available at http://crl.cra.wallonie.be/

Page last modified: 26 October 2010