Formaldehyde and Bact-Aid™

The end of an era for formaldehyde

A special edition on decontamination. Everyone is aware of the situation surrounding formaldehyde. Denied authorisation as a feed additive, but permitted for use to stabilise raw materials. This newsletter explains more about the E.F.S. topics relating to this situation. What do you think; Emotion rules over Science?

As the end of an era for formaldehyde becomes imminent, the need to find a good alternative to formaldehyde to control undesirable pathogens in raw materials and feeds, has become even more pressing. E.F.S. has more than 20 years of experience in treating feeds and raw materials to protect against undesirable pathogens. E.F.S. offers you an alternative that virtually replicates the effectiveness of formaldehyde. Several years of intensive research have resulted in the development of the Bact-Aid™ concept.

The composition of Bact-Aid™ includes formic acid, propionic acid and active aromatic components. This balanced and clever combination greatly reduces the number of bacteria and offers raw materials/feeds long-term protection.

E.F.S. has developed a dedicated dosing device for the Bact-Aid™ concept. To obtain optimal results, this is supplied and installed in consultation with you. We can also train and support your employees to work safely and efficiently with BactAid™.

Time line: Formaldehyde

After the repeal of the biocide directive PT20 on 1 July 2015, the EU has reached a decision on the use of formaldehyde for bacteriological control. This subject has featured on the EU agenda several times. On 20 December 2017 a vote took place on the EU proposal to deny continued authorisation of the use of formaldehyde.

Despite positive advice being given by the EFSA twice regarding the use of formaldehyde as an additive to control bacteria, and Salmonella in particular, the EU commission decided to deny authorisation to use formaldehyde as an additive in the animal feed industry. A quote from the Official Journal of the European Union (7 February 2018) appears below:

“Article 1 Official Journal of the European Union
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU)
2018/183 OF 7 February 2018
Denial of authorisation
The authorisation of formaldehyde as an additive in animal nutrition, belonging to the additive category ‘technological additives’ and to the functional groups ‘preservatives’ and ‘hygiene condition enhancers’, is denied.”

Practical experiences

Bact-Aid™ is already widely and successfully applied in practical situations. The concept can be used with ingredients including met&bone meal, feeds and specific byproducts. Bact-Aid™ can be used in conventional and organic applications. Repeat studies and monitoring the use of Bact-Aid™ in practice have demonstrated that it is an innovative and effective alternative for formaldehyde!

“Decontamination does not just entail the addition of a product such as Bact-Aid™. It is vital to determine the correct dose and correct dosing point and the method that suits the customer. The correct concept is therefore always developed in consultation with the user.”

Background, Research & Practice

Bact-Aid™ has been developed to eradicate pathogens from feed and raw materials. This inventive blend, containing ingredients including aromatic components penetrates the cell walls of bacteria and renders the bacteria harmless.

Customised decontamination
E.F.S. is a flexible organisation with the ability to decontaminate raw materials and feeds at a wide range of sites. This is achieved using integrated/fixed installations or our mobile installation for use at the desired location. Contact us for more details!