Facts on rendering

The volume of offal, feathers, guts and other waste generated from the slaughter of a combined 85 million heads of cattle, swine and goat, as well as 5.9 million head of chicken and turkey processed each year, would create quite a stink in Brazil, if it were to be disposed of in traditional ways such as dumping, burning or burying. Instead, the more than 12 million kilos of raw material generated is recycled at great economic and environmental benefit for the South American country and its people.

This meat waste is recycled into 1.9 million litres of animal fats and oils, with 3.4 million kilos of protein also generated. These new products, rich in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, are further processed into safe and value-added products including dog and cat food, organic fertiliser, feed for poultry, pig, fish, shrimp, etc. Then there is biodiesel, soaps, lubricants, detergents, pigments and much more.

The rendered products are processed at temperatures high enough to control all bacteria, virus, protozoa and fungi, ensuring that they are food-safe for animals and humans.

In Brazil, more than 90 per cent of the fats and meals are produced under the Federal Inspection System, and the good manufacturing practices applied allow for traceability from the place of origin to the final destination,

When allowed to rot, a cow carcass releases, on average, in excess of one million tonnes of carbon, and so rendering is essential because it:

- Protects the environment.

- Protects human health.

- Protects animal health and

- Provides sustainability to the meat production chain.