November 19, 2010
GMP+ International extends its scope to include sustainability
Press Release
GMP+ International will be extending its scope during 2011; in addition to animal feed safety, certification will be possible relating to sustainability themes via or in combination with the GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance scheme.
The animal feed sector has received an increasing number of requests for sustainable operations in various themes from the market and the authorities. This includes, for example, the use of soy, palm oil and fishmeal produced with respect for humans, animals and the environment. In order to demonstrate sustainable production, the sector risks having to work with various certification systems. However, companies would prefer to have multiple aspects embedded within a single certification scheme. This prevents regulatory overlap, ensures uniform standards and conditions and allows for limiting the administrative burden of certifications. For example, a single audit would allow for inspection of multiple factors.
Parties involved in initiatives relating to sustainable production would like to collaborate with GMP+ International, in order to benefit from GMP+ International''s know-how, expertise and its worldwide, chain-wide network in the animal feed sector. In the near future, the organisation will review how this collaboration could be structured, and/or how the standards for sustainable production in the animal feed chain can be included in or linked to the GMP+ FSA scheme.
The basis of GMP+ International is that animal feed must be safe for both humans and animals. Know-how and expertise relating to best practice for feed safety assurance is exchanged worldwide via the GMP+ International platform.
The GMP+ FSA scheme currently contains conditions for feed safety management, risk analyses, application of good production practices, early warnings and tracing.
To date, approximately 11,600 companies in 65 countries were certified for the GMP+ FSA scheme. The growth of the number of participants to the scheme GMP+ and adequate cost control has allowed GMP+ International to leave its contribution rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive year.