Animal by-products, as defined by the USDA, are products harvested or manufactured from livestock other than muscle meat. In the EU, animal by-products (ABPs) are defined somewhat more broadly, as materials from animals that people do not consume. Thus, chicken eggs for human consumption are considered by-products in the US but not France; whereas eggs destined for animal feed are classified as animal by-products in both countries. This does not in itself reflect on the condition, safety, or wholesomeness of the product. Animal by-products are
carcasses and parts of carcasses from slaughterhouses, animal shelters, zoos and veterinarians, and products of animal origin not intended for human consumption, including catering waste. These products may go through a process known as
rendering to be made into human and non-human foodstuffs, fats, and other material that can be sold to make commercial products such as cosmetics, paint, cleaners, polishes, glue, soap and ink. The sale of animal by-products allows the
meat industry to compete economically with industries selling sources of vegetable protein.
Slaughterhouse waste Slaughterhouse waste is defined as animal body parts cut off in the preparation of carcasses for use as food. This waste can come from several sources, including
slaughterhouses,
restaurants, stores and
farms. In the UK, slaughterhouse waste is classed as category 3 risk waste in the
Animal By-Products Regulations, with the exception of condemned meat which is classed as category 2 risk.
Animal by-products in pet food The leftover pieces that come from the process of stripping meat from animals tends to get used for different purposes. One of them is to put these parts into pet food. Many large, well-known pet food brands use animal by-products as protein sources in their recipes. This can include animal feet, livers, lungs, heads, spleens, etc or an admixture in the form of
meat and bone meal. These organs are usually not eaten by humans
depending on culture, but are safe and nutritious for pets regardless. By-products can also include bad-looking pieces. They are always cooked (rendered) to kill pathogens. and some pet food makers advertise the lack of by-products to appeal to buyers, a move criticized for contributing to
food waste and reducing
sustainability. ==Additives==