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Hazard Controls for Animal FeedHazard Controls for Animal Feed

Hazard controls for animal feed are essential for ensuring feed safety and compliance with modern food safety laws. These measures not only protect the supply chain from contamination but also promote quality control and operational efficiency.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Hazard Controls for Animal Feed

The most significant safety reform in the last 70 years was The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in January of 2011. With this law and FDA’s guidelines, the focus of food production shifted from reacting to foodborne illnesses to preventing them. As a result, companies are more aware of toxins and their effect on the global food chain. FSMA outlines Human and Animal Food Safety Plans to identify hazards at every stage of production.

FSMA also reformed the supply chain for animal feed. The FDA created clear rules based on FSMA to increase preventive measures and better control each process within the animal feed supply chain. Therefore, adherence to these rules helps facilities maintain compliance while ensuring safe feed production.

Key Requirements for Hazard Controls in Animal Feed Facilities

Animal feed facilities must meet the following requirements:

  • Maintain Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP)
  • Implement a comprehensive food safety system
  • Establish a supply-chain program for hazard control

1. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) for Hazard Controls

According to the FDA, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) ensure that animal food remains safe, uncontaminated, and suitable for consumption. These practices cover personnel hygiene, sanitation, water supply, equipment maintenance, plant operations, and distribution. By maintaining CGMP, facilities can prevent contamination and uphold feed quality.

2. Food Safety System and Hazard Controls

A properly established food safety system includes four key factors:

  • Hazard Analysis
  • Preventive Controls
  • Oversight and Management of Controls
  • Recall Plan

Hazard analysis identifies known or foreseeable hazards, whether naturally occurring, unintentionally introduced, or intentionally introduced for efficiency or economic gain. Additionally, the analysis considers the end-use of the feed product to determine remediation needs and ensure safe consumption.

When a hazard is identified, the facility must implement preventive controls to eliminate the risk and ensure food safety. These controls include process and sanitation measures, along with clear corrective actions if contamination occurs. Furthermore, continuous monitoring strengthens the effectiveness of these controls.

3. Supply-Chain Program for Hazard Controls in Animal Feed

A comprehensive hazard analysis also extends to raw materials and ingredients from external suppliers. This plan, known as a supply-chain program, ensures hazard identification and control at every stage. If suppliers have an existing food safety system, manufacturers can rely on their hazard analysis and controls, simplifying the process while maintaining safety standards.

The Foundation: Hazard Controls

The foundation of any food safety system starts with a proper hazard analysis and preventive controls. Many animal feed facilities struggle to maintain storage conditions for feed safety, including maintenance, temperature control, and cleaning. Addressing these hazards ensures safe, high-quality feed production while minimizing operational disruptions.

Mole∙Master has extensive experience in the grain and feed industry, addressing mass storage issues across all climates, bin materials, and facility conditions. Contact our expert technicians for comprehensive hazard controls for your animal feed facility. Our team identifies hazards and resolves issues efficiently through our silo and bin cleaning services, ensuring safe, compliant operations with minimal downtime.