Animal Rendering: Economics and Policy (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
March 17, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RS21771 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Geoffrey S. Becker, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Renderers convert dead animals and animal byproducts into ingredients for a wide range of
industrial
and consumer goods, such as animal feed, soaps, candles, pharmaceuticals, and personal care
products. U.S. regulatory actions to bolster safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE or mad cow disease) could portend significant changes in renderers' business practices, the
value of their products, and, consequently, the balance sheets of animal producers and processors.
Also, if animal byproducts have fewer market outlets, questions arise about how to dispose of them
safely. This report, which will not be updated, describes the industry and discusses several
industry-related issues that have arisen in the 108th Congress. (1)
1. Â For periodic updates on issues affecting the industry, see
CRS Issue Brief IB10127, Mad Cow Disease:
Agricultural Issues for Congress .
