Safety in the feed industry – the GMP+ standard

In the feed industry, safety is not just a matter of quality, but also of responsibility for the entire food chain. This is precisely why the GMP+ system was established – an international standard that sets out the rules for handling feed at every stage of the supply chain.

Who is GMP+ intended for, and what is its purpose?

GMP+ was developed with all operators in the feed chain in mind. It covers feed manufacturers, traders, transport companies and warehousing firms. In practice, this means that any organisation that influences the quality and safety of feed may be subject to the system’s requirements.

The name GMP+ itself is derived from ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’, but in the context of feed, it refers not only to production itself but to the entire feed chain. The ‘+’ symbol indicates that these principles have been extended to include additional requirements, in particular a risk-based approach (HACCP) and strict control over the flow of feed materials – from raw materials, through processing, to transport and delivery to the customer.

It is not the product itself that is subject to GMP+ certification, but the company’s activities within a specific scope. This means that the certificate may cover, for example, feed production, the handling of feed materials, road or sea transport, storage or transhipment. The scope of certification is always clearly defined and tailored to the role that a given company plays in the feed chain.

The main objective of GMP+ is to ensure that feed is safe for animals and, indirectly, for humans as well. The system focuses on eliminating hazards before they arise and on the ability to respond quickly should any irregularities occur. This enables companies to minimise risk and operate in a more predictable manner.

How is the GMP+ system structured?

The GMP+ structure is based on two main modules: GMP+ FSA (Feed Safety Assurance) and GMP+ FRA (Feed Responsibility Assurance). The first of these concerns feed safety and includes requirements relating to, amongst other things, hazard analysis, traceability and process control. The second focuses on responsibility, including aspects of sustainable development, such as the responsible sourcing of raw materials.

Within these modules, there are detailed standards tailored to the type of business – different requirements apply to a manufacturer, a transport company or a warehouse. This makes the system flexible and suited to the realities of different businesses.

What does GMP+ implementation mean for a company?

Implementing GMP+ involves streamlining processes and introducing clear operating principles. It is crucial to ensure traceability, oversight of suppliers, and control over storage and transport conditions. Documentation also plays a significant role; it should reflect the company’s actual operations, rather than being a mere formality.

For many companies, GMP+ certification is a prerequisite for cooperation with business partners, particularly in foreign markets. At the same time, the system helps to increase operational transparency, reduce the risk of errors and build credibility in the market.

Today, GMP+ is not just a standard, but an integral part of professional management in the feed industry, which has a tangible impact on a company’s safety and development.