Surplus food recovery set to increase with creation of new European Former Foodstuff Processors Association

UK-based SugaRich director appointed inaugural chairman

A new body, the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association (EFFPA), has elected Paul Featherstone, director of UK-based SugaRich, as its first Chairman for a two year term.

The EFFPA will represent the interests of businesses which specialise in the processing of former foods for use in animal feeds in all EU member states. The industry currently recovers over 3.5 million tonnes of food annually, avoiding waste from foodstuff that is unsuitable for human consumption.

Activity will include lobbying for a legislative framework and its implementation in EU member states in order to increase the feed use of food products not used for human consumption. This includes developing professional regulations and good manufacturing practices, including the sourcing of former foodstuffs that ensure the quality and safety of compound feed.

Paul Featherstone, Chairman of the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association explains: “Our industry sector needs to be represented across the whole European platform because of the key role we play in food waste recovery, and helping to meet the EU’s 2020 recovery and renewables objectives.

“Our focus is to safely and efficiently recover as much surplus food as we can and to do so inside a legislative framework that protects animals as well as the human food chain. By recognising that former foodstuff not suitable for human consumption is a resource and not a waste product, our industry is reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill every year, saving costs, and lessening environmental damage.”

Paul has 24 years’ experience in the UK agri-business supply chain. He takes a leading role in the UK and the rest of Europe on former foodstuff for animal feed. Starting his career as a graduate with Dalgety Agriculture, Paul joined SugaRich in 2004 and was appointed to the Board as Procurement Director in 2010.

UK-based SugaRich, which converts surplus food into animal feed, has been a key force behind the creation of the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association. The body was recommended by DG Sanco (the European equivalent of the Food Standards Agency).

For further information about the European Former Foodstuff Processors Association, please visit www.effpa.eu or email p.featherstone@ effpa.eu.