NRA's processed animal protein offers alternative to fish meal

Food sustainability is a key issue in Asia. To address this, the National Renderers Association (NRA) presents a cost-effective solution with its processed animal protein (PAP) meal.

NRA represents 52 member companies across North America that produce PAP meal. Having more than 200 processing plants between them, these companies adhere to stringent American and environmental standards in rendering protein from animal parts that are not considered fit for human consumption.

"Our big message in terms of sustainability is that animal proteins can help provide an alternative to fish meal," says Kent Swisher, vice-president for international programmes. "Our vision is to be readily available and usable in aquaculture rations and in feeds for chickens, along with fish, shrimp and pets."

Using PAP meal as a substitute for portions of more expensive fish meal in livestock, aquaculture and pet diets offers Asia's agriculture sectors substantial cost savings. PAP meal is easier for farm animals to digest than soybean meal, which is a traditional fish meal replacement. Because it is a heated product, PAP meal undergoes processing that kills bacteria to decrease the spread of disease among livestock, improving the overall food safety of entire economies.

As an organisation that promotes international access for its member companies' products, NRA has introduced its PAP meal to Asia, with Indonesia among its largest importers. The association has opened markets in Malaysia and the Philippines while operating from its regional base in Hong Kong. While it completes its preparations for entering Thailand, NRA is focusing on reintroducing its ruminant PAP meal into other regional economies, particularly the aquaculture sector.

"We're recycling products that come out of the food chain back into the food chain, so we fit into the sustainability agenda perfectly," Swisher says. "We've been working in Asia since the 1960s, so we're there for the long haul."