FAMI - QS

FAMI-QS is a preeminent global Quality and Feed Safety Management System for the sector of Specialty Feed Ingredients. A Specialty Feed Ingredient is defined as any intentionally added ingredient, not normally consumed as feed by itself, whether or not it has nutritional value, which affects the characteristics of feed or animals/ animal products and animal performance.

In 2004, the FAMI-QS certification system was launched, with the aim to harmonize safety requirements, within the EU’s internal market. Since then, it has grown into a global standard that unifies more than 1000 operators worldwide under FAMI-QS. FAMI QS contributes in to the continues improvement of specialty feed ingredients quality and feed safety aspects for the intended part of the animal feed industry, in order to meet our stakeholders’ expectations.

The standard or requirements’ updates and rules of FAMI-QS scheme are developed based on a structured procedure. This procedure follows a number of steps, in straight cooperation and consultation with our experts, partners and participants. At the end of this process, the standard is established and published as a part of the FAMI-QS scheme.

FAMI-QS adopts a continuous development approach, in which the existing feedback mechanisms will regularly review rules and requirements, in a participatory manner. It is of upmost importance that participants are involved in the scheme’s future development.

WHAT IS FAMI QS CODE?

FAMI-QS Code aims to encourage measures to be put in place to ensure the safety and quality of feed additives and premixtures; the operation of businesses in accordance with European feed hygiene requirements, and improved traceability. In order to align the Code with current animal feed legislation and various activities on national, industrial and/or association levels, it takes into account the principles of feed and food safety as well as HACCP principles that are set out in various international documents, using the ISO 9001 structure.

The FAMI-QS code addresses safety, quality and regulatory compliance in order to minimize hazards and ensure the placing on the market of safe and legal Specialty Feed Ingredients. FAMI-QS is operating under IAF MLA.

KEY BENEFITS OF ACHIEVING FAMI-QS TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

An industry-driven, sector-specific quality system, with unrivalled value on the global feed market. To support the safety of feed across the value chain.
Focus on risk management, safety and quality, coupled with time and cost efficiency.
Regulatory compliance for global feed safety management system.
Highly effective management system approach.
Expert knowledge and industry experience translated into the state-of-art set of rules, practices and standards.
Global perspective with great market access / Facilitating exchanges at international level
Enhance competence of operators / manufacturer.
Support the safety of feed across the value chain
Regulatory compliance for global feed safety management system.

FAMI- QS REQUIREMENTS

The Organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain a management system in accordance with the requirements of this Code. The management system shall be continually adapted in line with regulatory developments and customer requirements.
The structure of the management system shall be specific to the organization of the operator and should include policies, requirements and process documents that reflect commitment to feed safety.
The management system shall ensure that all activities carried out by the operator that could impact on the quality and feed safety of the product are consistently defined, implemented and maintained at all levels in the organization.
The management system shall include quality procedures to ensure that the product consistently conforms to the authorization of the feed additive and the specification of the premixtures(s) thereof.

FAMI-QS DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

The documentation requirements includes:

Establishing a quality management system.
Identifying legal requirements.
Identifying and documenting the specific feed safety hazards– related to the final food product – and the relevant control measures (HACCP system).
Identifying the applicable Good Manufacturing Practice/ Good Hygiene Practice, including a pest control Programme, equipment and building maintenance Programme, Housekeeping and cleaning programme, and all the specific standard requirements.
Implement any needed structural improvements.

FAMI-QS APPLICABLE TO WHICH INDUSTRIES?

The feed regulation applies to,

Producers and traders of compound feeds,
animal feeds,
premixtures and additives,
As well as transportation, transshipment, cultivation and feeding at the livestock farm.

In order to determine if your product is covered within the FAMI-QS scope please visit www.fami-qs.org/scope the full list of feed additives can be found on the European Register of Feed Additives. This annex classifies the specialty feed ingredients by their intended use in the feed, and when required, to the respective animal.

HOW FAMI-QS CERTIFICATION IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS?

Demonstrable and transparent quality assurance constitutes a license to produce. Certification like Fami-QS certification shows your commitment to a set of globally recognized principles, opening the global market.

The animal feed industry, including ingredient suppliers, is part of the food chain and is responsible for the safety of its products
HACCP is a proactive approach which links the feed chain to the food chain
Quality control of raw materials is a mutual concern for suppliers and the animal feed industry
The trade and industry are assuming their responsibility for product safety

By achieving the GMP certification, your company can demonstrably guarantee that animal feeds and animal feed ingredients meet the legal rules and the requirements which have been agreed with the parties in the chain.