'Undesirable substances' are substances or products in animal feed – such as mercury, free gossypol and nitrites – that could endanger human and animal health or have adverse effects on the environment.

Human health and the environment are major policy concerns for the European Commission. To ensure consumers' confidence in the safety and quality of food and feed, undesirable substances in animal nutrition are prohibited or limited at certain levels. Healthy and high-quality livestock in all Member states depends, to a large extent, on the use of appropriate good quality feed. Rules on safe animal feed contribute to a more competitive EU producer and a citizen that is able to consume safe and good-quality products.

Germany has not communicated all the measures implementing the Animal Feed Directive.

The Commission's request to Germany takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures.

The Commission initiated an infringement procedure, described in Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, early this year by sending a letter of formal notice to Germany.

Through this 'Reasoned Opinion', the Commission formally asks Germany to take action to comply with EU law within a period of two months. Subsequently, the Commission may decide to refer Germany to the European Court of Justice, if action to ensure compliance is not taken.