The European Association of Feed Additive Manufactures has issued a code of practice to ensure safety of animal feed additives and premixtures.

The European Code of Practice for Feed Additive and Premixture Operators (FAMI-QS Code) is the industry’s response to a recent proposal from the European Commission. It proposes a regulation on feed hygiene, introducing the concept of hygiene throughout the animal food chain as well as the use of HACCP principles in animal feed production. The proposal also promotes the establishment of national and European codes of practice.

Harmonising national standards
The FAMI QS code aims to ensure the safety of additives and premixtures, i.e. getting the manufacturers to implement the harmonised hygienic requirements and improve traceability. The standard is applicable to operators at all levels of the food chain in Europe including imported food.

Feed hygiene refers to the measures and conditions necessary to control hazards and ensure the fitness of a feed additive or premixture for consumption. Traceability refers to the ability to trace and follow food, feed, or food producing animals or substances that are expected to be used in the manufacturing of animal feed.

Today, regulations for animal feed and feed additives are covered by a number of individual, national standards. The new code of practice should be one step down the road toward consolidation of different approaches, at least in Europe.

Certification system established
The European Association of Feed Additive Manufacturers has also decided to compliment the code of practice with a certification system.

The association FAM-QS Asbl has been created to manage and coordinate all activities related to FAMI QS. It has entered into partnerships with the main certification bodies in Europe. DNV is one of the few approved certification bodies and can already provide certification according to FAMI QS.