Feed hygiene
The feed hygiene controls safeguard animal and human health and apply to all businesses that make, use or market animal feeds.
This includes livestock farms and arable farms that grow, use or sell crops for feed use. It also ensures that those buying the feed are provided with sufficient information to allow them to make informed choices.
Records
Record keeping is a key control element in many areas, including:
- Nature and origin of animal feed.
- Use of plant protection products and biocides.
- Detail any veterinary products administered and withdrawal dates.
- Any disease or pests that may affect food safety.
- Details of information required for traceability (batch codes etc).
- Results of any analysis carried out.
- Health status of stock.
Guidance
Please see the documents below:
Manufacturing pet foods
Before you start manufacturing any pet food please contact the Animal Health Team on 01785 277875 for advice.
Feed businesses, including all pet manufacturers, must not operate without being registered or approved (as appropriate) with us.
EU regulations also require that the Animal Health and Plant Agency (APHA) approves manufacturers where pet food uses or incorporates products of animal origin. For example:
- eggs
- meat
- milk
- butter
- honey
This includes premises manufacturing pet food in domestic houses even if using animal products deemed fit for human consumption.
The pet food must be labelled according to the labelling requirements. These are sometimes still referred to as a 'statutory statement'.
Registration
As food businesses, farmers and growers have to make sure that hazards are controlled appropriately.
You must register by completing the application form below:
Further information
Please see the Food Standards Agency website.