GMP/PDV, relevant for feed production, transportation and trade, was developed to guarantee the safe impact of the feed on the final food products (Feed for Food).

Animal feeds form a major link in the animal production chain. Consumers of meat, milk, and eggs expect the industry and the retail trade to supply safe, high-quality products. The GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulation applies to producers of and traders in compound feeds, animal feeds, premixes and additives, as well as transport, storage and transshipment, cultivation, storage, and feeding at the livestock farm. In addition, laboratories which carry out analyses may be certified.

What is the GMP standard?
The European Regulation on Feed Hygiene (183/2005) sets up hygiene and safety requirements for the whole feed chain, including feed additives and premixtures.

This regulation:

• Integrate the manufacturing and distribution of feed additives, premixtures, and complete feeds in a global food chain.
  
  
• Integrates the HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) principle.
  
  
• Promotes the establishment of codes of practice in the feed chain.

The Dutch Animal Feed Board (PDV) and the Feed Additive and Premixture Quality System European Association developed these codes of practice to respond to consumer, food producer and retailer expectations.

Primarily, the GMP regulation requires the correct use of additives and veterinary medical products. In addition, the regulation provides for the control of the levels of undesirable substances and products such as heavy metals, pesticides, and aflatoxin. Finally, measures to prevent salmonella contamination of animals via the animal feed are requested.

Where do I go from here?
Your first step is to get on the road to certification.