Offal Craze Knocks Cuts Beef Carbon Footprint
UK – Increasing ‘fifth quarter’ usage has reduced beef’s carbon footprint by a quarter, says red meat levy board EBLEX.
16 May 2014
1 minute read
Changes in Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations and greater exports overseas have developed offal consumption, dropping carbon footprint by up to 25 per cent an animal.
Additionally, using hearts, lungs, soft bones and tendons helps profits and reduces waste.
EBLEX carried out a study to assist the processing sector in efficiency finding average cattle consumption levels were 38 per cent in 2006 and were 48 per cent in 2012.
Sheep and lamb utilisation increase seven per cent to 53 per cent over the same period.
Furthermore, the value of bovine offal increased £880 per tonne to over £1,200 last year from where it was in 2009.
According to EBLEX supply chain development manager Christine Walsh, the environment benefits, as well as the industry.
“The new ABP regulations and development of new export markets have presented the industry with an opportunity to more fully utilise the carcase, while reducing its environmental impact,” said Mrs Walsh.
“Prior to 2006 the majority of fifth quarter products were disposed of by the industry.”
She added that EBLEX promotions are building trade for English offal which is improving supply chain efficiency through waste reduction.
TheCattleSite News Desk
