ANIMAL BYPRODUCTS REGULATIONS 2013

 

It is illegal to feed kitchen scraps or any food that has entered the kitchen to livestock, including goats, even if it is a vegan household. This law is in place to prevent the spread of diseases like foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, BSE, scrapie, botulism and enterotoxemia. These diseases can be spread through food contaminated by meat or dairy products. Even if you’re vegan and only handle plant-based foods, the government still considers it a risk.

 

 

Here are some practical ways to keep fresh treats outside the kitchen while keeping them clean and accessible.

 

The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013 and similar regulations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland prohibit feeding livestock:

• Any food that has been in a domestic or commercial kitchen (even fruit and veg).

• Anything that has come into contact with meat, dairy, or catering waste.

 

WHAT YOU CAN FEED

 

You can legally feed goats:

• Fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and forage that have never been in a kitchen.
• Foods sourced directly from a farm, garden or shop as long as they haven’t entered your kitchen.

 

WHAT YOU CANNOT FEED

 

• Any leftovers or peelings from your home kitchen.
• Any food that has passed through a catering kitchen, even if it’s vegan.
• Bread, cereal, dairy or any food containing animal products.

 

OUTDOOR OR BARN STORAGE

 

• Large plastic storage tubs with lids ~ Keep vegetables like carrots, swedes, and parsnips fresh and safe from pests.
• Hessian or breathable fabric sacks ~ Ideal for potatoes, turnips, or beets to prevent sweating and rotting.
• Hanging baskets or mesh bags ~ Great for drying safe forage like willow branches, rose hips, and herbs.
• Metal bins with lids ~ Protects hay cubes, dried beet pulp, or grains from rodents.

 

 

 

UTILITY ROOM OR SHED STORAGE

 

• Designated fridge I n a utility room or barn ~ If you have power access, this is the best way to store apples, pears, and leafy greens.
• Cool boxes or insulated bags ~ If no fridge is available, use ice packs to keep fruit fresh for short periods.
• Veg trugs, baskets or crates ~ Good for ventilated storage of dry produce like carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.

 

You need to prepare all the fruit and veg using designated utensils and a chopping board in your shed, barn or utility.