East Yorkshire MP, Sir Greg Knight, has urged the Government to support the case against banning the use of zinc oxide in piglet feed.
Describing zinc oxide is an important additive in piglet feed which helps piglets thrive, Sir Greg, speaking in the House of Commons, asked farming minister, George Eustace, to make the case in Europe against banning the item.
The Minister duly replied that following UK representations, plans for an EU wide ban are now being reconsidered.
“Zinc oxide has a vital role in piglet health and its continued use is vital to the industry,” said Sir Greg (pictured above). “I am pleased that UK Ministers recognise this and I hope common sense will prevail.”
NPA chief executive, Zoe Davies, welcomed Mr Eustice’s comments and the pressure being exerted by Sir Greg.
“We have been making a strong case to retain zinc oxide and it is really important that we get the full backing of the Government and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) at EU level,” she said. “We have always insisted the recommendation is not justified by the evidence in front of us.”
NPA, as part of an alliance with the Pig Veterinary Society, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and AHDB Pork, has been lobbying hard at UK and EU level to fight the ban. This has included the submission of a comprehensive briefing to the VMD outlining the impact of a zinc oxide ban on the pig industry, stating that a ban would cause “a widespread deterioration in pig health and welfare”.
