09/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - According to the German consumer watchdog association, “Foodwatch”, at least 30,000 tonnes of meat-and-bone meal generated from BSE-risk (“mad cow”) animal by-products have been illegally exported to several third countries, including Vietnam. As soon as the scandal was announced, the German authorities decided to put an end to this illegal trade. According to the German NGO, two major operators in the meat sector, Vion and PHW (which includes the main German poultry producer, Wiesenhof) have exported meat-and-bone meal to non-UE countries where it has reached the human food chain. According to 2002 Community legislation, such Category 3 meal from high-risk animal by-products can only be used to feed pets, fur animals and animals in zoos, or as fertilisers. Under no circumstances may these products reach the human food chain, either as food supplements or as fodder for animals intended for human consumption. (lc)