Information from DEFRA (Department for environment food and rural affairs)

Disposing of animal by-products: Catering waste & waste food of animal origin

Animal by-products (ABPs) arising from catering, retail, wholesale, manufacturing and distribution premises, convenience stores, food markets and bakers premises will generally be:

• Raw meat and fish (which will fall into the scope of Article 6(1)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002);
• Former foodstuffs (article 6(1)(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002); or
• Catering waste (article 6(1)(l) of Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002).

All of these become ABPs when they are no longer intended for human consumption. An indication of such intent could be when produce is removed from sale because it has passed its sell by date or use by date, or because it is damaged, soiled or contaminated to an extent that it is no longer appropriate to display it for sale. The decision as to whether a product is no longer intended for human consumption will rest with the premises manager or anyone nominated on the premises to take such decisions.

• Milk and milk products (PDF 40 KB): guidance on the disposal, treatment and use of milk and milk products not intended for human consumption under the animal by-products Regulation