AAFCO, USDA and Activated Charcoal in Animal Feeds
Earlier this year we had an inquiry asking about the use of activated charcoal in animal feeds, and if we were aware of a recent action by AAFCO to delete “charcoal” from the list of animal feed terms. (See "Letter to Editor" Bottom of Page)
Our
response follows:
While we were not aware of that action, we recognized that it did align itself
with the 2002 OMRI/USDA position paper with respect to activated charcoal as a
animal feed supplement.
(Go to “OMRI Position Paper” to read the Review and download PDF file)
In 2002 OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) updated a previous evaluation of activated charcoal as an animal
feed supplement for the USDA. The 3-person panel was in complete agreement as
to the unmatched efficacy of activated charcoal for the treatment of animal
poisoning. The only concern was that unscrupulous livestock owners would doctor
spoiled feed with activated charcoal knowing that the activated charcoal would
quickly neutralize virtually all toxins and thus render the contaminated feed
harmless.
But, it appears from other reports that another major concern is that it is
generally assumed that activated charcoal will neutralize medicated feeds
especially in the livestock industry. That is, activated charcoal will most
likely adsorb/neutralize antibiotics, steroids, hormones, etc. Because it would
be almost impossible to regulate activated charcoal use in specific
applications (i.e. Cattle feed and not pet foods) the USDA has chosen to apply
the ban generally.
Suggesting charcoal may be used as a “drug” is very misleading. Charcoal is
inert. It is neither digested nor assimilated by any animal. To suggest
“potential dioxin contamination” is truly bizarre since activated charcoal is
used for dioxin decontamination. If possible dioxin contamination was truly the
reason, why is the same charcoal used in kidney and liver dialysis units, and
hundreds of thousands of domestic water filters in America and worldwide? Will
using it in water filters be considered a “drug” use?
Why is Veterinair® activated charcoal sold in Europe specifically as a feed
supplement to protect livestock from accidental poisoning? Because it works and
does not in any way harm the animal or adversely affect the end user – the egg eater, the milk drinker, and the meat chewer. (See also
VetDTox)
Why is charcoal used in Europe for food coloring in various foods (Licorice, jelly beans, caviar, jams, juices,..) if it is so dangerous for
animals?
As for being truly “aware” of the difference between fact and fiction, look beyond the headlines.
In the mean time bone char powder will work as a substitute for some
applications (coloring, abrasive) but is all but ineffective for toxicity
problems.
Editor
Letter to Editor:
“Hello,
Thanks for your reply. The charcoal I recently purchased was to be used as an
abrasive component in a dog treat our company is developing. However, I have
just read (Charcoal Term to be deleted from the list of feed terms) that charcoal will be deleted from the list of feed terms by the
AAFCO by 2012. Are you aware of this action? Apparently there are concerns
regarding safety (e.g., potential dioxin contamination) and its intended use as
a “drug”.
Sincerely"
Shannon
May 2011
PO Box 261
Crawford, NE 69339
editor@charcoalremedies.com
PHONE
Tf (888) 264-5568
Ph: (308) 665-1566