Feed Hygiene Regulation

Introduction

Regulation (EC) No 183/2005, commonly known as the Feed Hygiene Regulation, establishes a comprehensive framework of general rules for feed hygiene, traceability, and the registration and approval of establishments within the European Union. It is a key component of the EU's 'Farm to Fork' strategy, ensuring safety throughout the entire feed and food chain. The regulation is built upon the general principles of food and feed law laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

Its primary goal is to ensure a high level of protection for animal health and, consequently, public health, while also ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market for animal feed. It applies a risk-based approach, notably by mandating the implementation of procedures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles for most feed business operators.

Who It Applies To

The regulation applies to virtually all actors in the feed sector, including:

• Feed business operators at all stages of the feed chain, from primary production (farming, harvesting) to placing on the market.
• Farmers and livestock producers who feed food-producing animals.
• Importers and exporters of feed from and to third countries.

Exemptions from the regulation include:

• Private domestic production of feed for animals kept for private consumption.
• The feeding of animals not kept for food production (e.g., pets), although some general principles from Regulation 178/2002 may still apply.
• The direct supply of small quantities of primary feed products by the producer to local farms for use on those farms.
• The retailing of pet food.

Key Dates

• Date of Application: The regulation has been applicable since 1 January 2006.
• Transitional Period: Establishments already active before this date were required to notify or apply for registration with their competent authority by 1 January 2006 to continue their activities. They had until 1 January 2008 to formally declare that they met the conditions laid down in the regulation.

Key Provisions

• Hygiene Requirements: The regulation sets out specific hygiene requirements in its Annexes:
  • Annex I: Applies to primary production of feed (e.g., farms), covering measures to control contamination, record-keeping on the use of plant protection products, and traceability.
  • Annex II: Applies to businesses other than primary producers (e.g., feed manufacturers), detailing requirements for facilities, equipment, personnel, production, quality control, storage, and transport. It includes specific rules for dioxin monitoring in oils and fats.
  • Annex III: Lays down principles of good animal feeding practice for farmers.
• HACCP System: Feed business operators (excluding those in primary production) must implement and maintain a permanent procedure based on the HACCP principles to identify, manage, and control feed safety hazards.
• Registration and Approval: All feed business establishments must be registered with their national competent authority. Establishments handling more sensitive products, such as certain feed additives or premixtures, require a more stringent approval process, which includes an on-site visit.
• Traceability: Operators must be able to trace feed they have received and supplied. This includes keeping detailed records of purchases, production, and sales.
• Import/Export Rules: Feed imported into the EU must meet standards equivalent to those within the EU.

Obligations & Requirements

• Primary Producers (Farmers): Must comply with the general hygiene provisions in Annex I, including managing operations to minimize hazards and keeping records on inputs (e.g., pesticides, seeds) and outputs.
• Feed Manufacturers/Processors: Must comply with the detailed requirements of Annex II and implement a HACCP-based system. This includes having a quality control plan, taking and retaining samples, and ensuring facilities are designed to prevent cross-contamination.
• All Operators: Must source and use feed only from establishments that are registered or approved in accordance with the regulation. They must also implement systems for handling complaints and, if necessary, for recalling products from the market.

Affected Products/Actors/Processes

• Actors: Farmers, feed manufacturers, processors, storage operators, transporters, importers, and traders of animal feed.
• Products: All materials intended for animal feed, including feed materials (e.g., grains), compound feedingstuffs, feed additives, and premixtures for all animals, with a primary focus on food-producing animals.
• Processes: All stages of the feed chain, including growing, harvesting, manufacturing, mixing, processing, storage, transport, and distribution of feed.

Penalties

Article 30 of the regulation requires Member States to establish rules on penalties for infringements. These penalties must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive. The specific nature of the penalties (e.g., fines, suspension of registration) is determined by the national law of each Member State.