GMP+ International, also known as the Global Markets Programme, is an international program ensuring the quality and safety of animal feed. It was created on the initiative of the Dutch feed industry and has a long history, dating back to 1992. Over the years, this program has evolved to become a global standard regulating feed quality and safety around the world. Currently, it brings together not only feed producers, but also transport companies. What are its main goals?
Contact for GMP+ certification
e.nadolna@ekologistyka24.pl , +48 881 045 376
j.blazewicz@ekologistyka24.pl , +48 500 867 153
GMP+ goals
The GMP+ certificate has several key goals, important both for animal feed producers and the entire food industry. The most important of them are:
- Ensuring that animal feed is safe and of high quality is crucial to the health and well-being of farm animals.
- Enabling companies to meet international feed quality and safety standards. This is of great importance in international trade in animal feed and food.
- Having the GMP+ certificate is proof of the company's serious approach to the issue of feed quality and safety. This undoubtedly builds trust among customers and business partners. Thanks to it, you can be sure that the products meet the highest standards.
- Minimizing the risk of feed contamination, animal infections and health hazards related to the production and distribution of feed.
GMP+ classes
The following GMP+ classes are distinguished:
- GMP+ B1 – Companies that produce and trade feed raw materials apply for it. These include: grains, vegetable oils and proteins. Class B1 companies must strictly comply with the quality and safety standards of feed raw materials.
- GMP+ B2 – This class focuses on companies that produce and trade additional feed ingredients. We are talking about vitamins, minerals and vitamin-mineral premixes. They enrich the nutritional value of feed. B2 companies must maintain strict quality and safety standards for these ingredients.
- GMP+ B3 – Applies to companies producing ready-made feed for producers, which are used as ingredients in the animal feed production process. B3 companies must ensure that their feed meets the highest quality and safety standards before use by feed manufacturers.
- GMP+ B4 – Focuses on companies involved in the safe transport and storage of feed raw materials. Their role is to minimize the risk associated with the transport and storage of feed raw materials. They must take care of their quality and safety.
- GMP+ B4.3 – Intended for companies and organizations that transport feed raw materials by coastal shipping and inland waterways, such as inland vessels, barges and coastal vessels. GMP+ B4.3 class companies must comply with rigorous safety, hygiene and quality standards when transporting feed raw materials by water.
Obligations resulting from having a GMP+ certificate
A GMP+ certified company has obligations related to ensuring the quality and safety of animal feed. Here are the key tasks:
- Compliance with GMP+ standards: The company must strictly comply with the requirements of GMP+ standards regarding quality, safety and hygiene in the production, processing, storage and transport of feed.
- Supplier Monitoring: Suppliers must be monitored regularly to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
- Risk management: Risk assessment should be carried out and remedial measures should be implemented to minimize the risk of contamination and health hazards.
- Documentation and Recording: The company must maintain detailed documentation and records of processes to enable monitoring and response to problems.
- Employee training: Employees should be trained to comply with GMP+ standards and ensure the quality and safety of feed.
- Audits and inspections: Audits and inspections may be carried out to confirm compliance with GMP+ standards.
- Continuous improvement: The company should strive to continuously improve its processes to increase the quality and safety of feed.
The obligations of a GMP+ certified company may vary depending on the certificate class and the company's role in the feed supply chain. However, all companies strive for a common goal - ensuring the quality and safety of animal feed.