Growing the success of Irish food & horticulture
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Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Foreword
1.2. Participation
1.3. Background
1.4. Objectives
1.5. Normative References for the Standard
1.6. Definitions, Terms and Abbreviations
1.7. Cautionary Notes
2. SCHEME REGULATIONS
2.1 Eligibility and Commencement
2.2 Application Process and Membership
2.3 Control and Monitoring
2.4 Terms, Criteria Categories and Application of Non-
Compliances
2.5 Certification Decisions
2.6 Appeals
2.7 Complaints
2.8 Revision Updates
2.9 Notification of Change
2.10 Use of the Quality Logo
2.11 Declaration
3. MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS
Introduction and Scope
3.1 Quality System General
3.2 Management Responsibility
3.3 Management Representative
3.4 Management Review
3.5 Health and Safety
3.6 Ethical Operation
3.7 Quality Documentation
3.8 Quality Control Plan
3.9 Document and Data Control
3.10 Records Storage and Retrieval
3.11 Training
3.12 Control of Non-Conforming Product
3.13 Internal Audits
3.14 Traceability / Recall
3.15 Inspection, Sampling and Testing
3.16 Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test
Equipment
3.17 Corrective Action / Complaints
3.18 Feed Safety Management / HACCP
3.19 General Biosecurity
3.20 Pest Control
7. APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Appendix 8
Reference Information
Processing Conditions / Exclusions
Heat Treatment Systems and their Operation
Transportation Exclusion
Guidelines on Sampling and Testing Regimes
Sampling Guidelines
Cleaning Schedule
Categorised Feeds
Contents
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3.21 Hygiene
3.22 Purchasing General
3.23 Water
3.24 Detergents, Lubricants, Pesticides and Sanitisers.
3.25 Packaging
3.26 Special Controls
3.27 Process Controls
3.28 Maintenance
3.29 Waste Management
3.30 Storage General
3.31 Sample Provision
3.32 Labelling and Identification
3.33 Transport
4. OTHER FEEDSTUFF SUPPLIER REQS.
Introduction and Scope
4.1 Quality System General
4.2 Responsibility
4.3 Training
4.4 Feed Safety Management / HACCP
4.5 Biosecurity General
4.6 Pest Control
4.7 Hygiene and Cleaning
4.8 Waste Management
4.9 Purchasing / Inputs
4.10 Processes
4.11 Sampling, Labelling and Identification
4.12 Delivery
4.13 Transport
5. LEVEL 2 HOME MIXER REQUIREMENTS
Introduction and Scope
5.1 General
5.2 Medicines Controls
5.3 Process Controls
5.4 Biosecurity
5.5 Training
5.6 Transport
6. LEVEL 1 HOME MIXER REQUIREMENTS
Introduction and Scope
6.1 General
6.2 Process Controls
6.3 Biosecurity
6.4
Transport

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Introduction
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This standard sets out the key requirements for those who wish to participate in the Feed Quality Assurance
Scheme (FQAS). To help ensure the safety of the food produced (i.e. meat, eggs and dairy products), both feed business operators and farmers have a regulatory obligation to control the safety of feed offered to food producing animals. Participants are required to remain compliant with the relevant legislation (see also
Appendix 1, Reference Information).
The Bord Bia core standards (for beef and lamb, dairy, eggs, pigs and poultry) each contain specific criteria / requirements relating to the sourcing, handling and management of materials used to feed animals on the farms. This applies to grass (silage, hay etc.), other crops grown for feeding animals (including cereals, roots, pulses, etc.) as well as to manufactured feeds and other purchased feedstuffs. In all cases, the feedstuffs must be provided to the animals in a manner that ensures compliance with the feed legislation (safety and hygiene of the feed 1
) and compliance with these criteria / requirements in the core Standards is assessed through
audit. In addition, under all Schemes, each participating Member is required to complete a declaration of compliance with the relevant applicable legislation (which includes legislation relevant to feedstuffs).
FQAS Participants will be aware of the need to obtain feedstuffs from sustainable sources and will take into account issues such as sourcing from established cereal and grain production regions instead of from areas subject to ongoing clearance of rainforests to support new production. Participants will also be aware of their legal responsibility to use chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, rodenticides, etc.) in a responsible and sustainable manner especially with respect to the environment and wildlife and will adopt appropriate practices for the use of chemicals as recommended by the various organisations (see Appendix 1, Reference Information,
Recommended Codes of Practice).
Participation in the Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) is on a voluntary basis. Application for membership is open to all those involved in supplying feed for consumption on farms including feed compounders, supplement manufacturers, other feed suppliers (including traders / by-products suppliers / recycled food suppliers / processors) and farmers involved in home mixing. Only those Home Mixers (Level 1 or Level 2) that have been certified under one of the Bord Bia farm schemes (Beef and Lamb, Dairy, Poultry, Pigs, Eggs) will be eligible to participate in the FQAS.
Certification to the standard will only be granted to Participants who meet the relevant requirements. Any
Participant involved in the feed supply chain that has been convicted in the last three years of an offence under feed legislation will not be eligible for certification to this Standard until a three year period from the date of conviction has elapsed.
In addition, if, during the period of validity of the certificate, the Participant is convicted of an offence, the
Participant is obliged to advise Bord Bia and this will normally result in the Certificate being revoked and the
Participant being withdrawn from the Scheme for a period of three years from the date of conviction.
Animal feed produced and processed in accordance with the requirements laid down in this Standard is described as Quality Assured Feed. No other implication can be taken from this term (see also definitions below).
1 Regulation (EC) 183/2005 of The European Parliament And of The Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene - See Annex I, Primary Production and Annex III Good Animal Feeding Practice

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Other standards that are deemed to be equivalent to this standard may be acceptable subject to formal approval by Bord Bia.
The Feed Quality Assurance Standard was developed by an expert group representing Bord Bia, the Food
Safety Authority of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the feed industry
(millers and farmers), Teagasc, and industry advisors.
The full onus of responsibility for compliance with the requirements of this Standard is on those participating in the Scheme and not on Bord Bia or its auditors or any other third party. Compliance is monitored through independent audit.
The requirements detailed in this Standard do not and are not intended to replace any statutory obligations of the industry.
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The principle objectives of the FQAS are:

To set out the requirements for best practice in the production / supply of animal feed so as to ensure the safety of the feed and the safety of the food products that derive from the animals consuming it;

To provide a uniform mechanism for recording and monitoring feed manufacture activities with a view to achieving continuous improvement in feed supply standards;

To support and complement the core Bord Bia quality assurance schemes relating to animal production.
This Standard has been derived bearing in mind the requirements of the following legislation and standards:

Relevant National and EU derived legislative requirements;

Recognised international Quality Management Standards (such as ISO 9001:2008);

I.S. EN ISO 22000:2005, Food safety management systems – requirements for any organisation in the food chain;

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for identification and management of risks associated with food as outlined by Codex Alimentarius (1997);

Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding (Codex Alimentarius CAC / RCP 2004 as amended);

ISO 17065: 2012: General Criteria for Certification Bodies Operating Product Certification;

Other sources of information on best practice in feed manufacture.
Note: Definitions for the various participants are set out in the Scope statement at the start of sections 3, 4
& 5
Applicant: a farmer, feed supplier or manufacturer that applies for membership of the FQAS.
Auditor : the independent auditor carrying out the Bord Bia FQAS audits.
Bord Bia: the Irish Food Board.
Certification Committee: the Bord Bia Committee to which the Quality Assurance Board has devolved responsibility / authority for all certification decisions regarding membership of the scheme.
DAFM is taken to mean the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, or equivalent competent authority in other jurisdictions.

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Feed (or "feedingstuff"): any substance or product, including additives, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended to be used for oral feeding to animals as per Regulation (EC) 178/2002.
Feed Additives: substances or micro-organisms as authorised under Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition.
Feed Catalogue: this means Regulation (EC) 68/2013.
Feed Business Operator: means the natural or legal person responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the feed hygiene legislation as set out in Regulation (EC) 183/2005 are met within the feed business under their control.
Feed Hygiene: the measures and conditions necessary to control hazards and to ensure fitness for animal consumption of a feed, taking into account its intended use.
Feed Materials: various products of vegetable or animal origin, in their natural state, fresh or preserved, and products derived from the industrial processing thereof, and organic or inorganic substances, whether or not containing additives, which are intended for use in oral animal feeding either directly as such, or after processing, in the preparation of compound feedingstuffs or as carriers of premixtures (see (EC) 68/2013).
Feed Categories:

Compound Feed : mixtures of feed materials, whether or not containing additives, for oral animal feeding in the form of complete or complementary feedingstuffs (see (EC) 767/2009);

Feed Supplements: mineral / vitamin mixes designed to be complementary to other feed mixes to achieve a satisfactory overall balance of nutrients;

Straights: single component feed ingredients (e.g. wheat, barley).
Feed Supplement: a general term used for feeds that supplement/complement other feeds e.g. concentrates are feed supplements to silage for cattle.
Formal Training: The term "formal training" is used to indicate the requirement that the training was received from a national or public body or from a Bord Bia approved organisation / individual and that a certificate is available.
FQAS: the Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Scheme.
FQAS Register / Database: the register / database of the current certified members indicating the membership status.
FSAI: The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, or equivalent in other jurisdictions.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) : internationally recognised system for the identification and control of hazards relating to food or feed safety.
HPRA: Health Products Regulatory Authority – the body in Ireland that regulates animal remedies.
Manufacture / Production - all operations from sourcing / purchasing of feed ingredients to the final delivery of the manufactured product.
Member : a participant that is certified under the FQAS and is shown on the FQAS register / database.
Membership Certification Period : this will normally be 18 months from the date of issue of the Membership
Certificate or until the next certification decision. See Scheme Regulations 2.8 for full details.
Notifiable feed safety issues : where a feed business operator discovers an issue that could have public health implications, this must be notified to the relevant authority immediately (see Regulation (EC) 178/2002).
Participant: an Applicant or Member.
PCS: Pesticide Control Service a subsection of DAFM responsible for implementing the regulatory system for all pesticides (plant protection products and biocides).
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Premixes: mixtures of feed additives or mixtures of one or more feed additives with feed materials or water used as carriers, not intended for direct feeding to animals (see (EC) 1831/2003).
Product : compound feeds, additives, premixes and feed materials where appropriate.
Quality Assurance Board : an independent subsidiary Board within Bord Bia, which has overall responsibility for policy in relation to all Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes.
Register / Database: the Bord Bia register / database (either term may be used interchangeably) of the current certified members indicating the membership status
Regulatory Status:

Registered - the farms / feed business operators that are registered with DAFM for their activity;

Approved - feed business operators using or handling certain additives or premixtures of additives with DAFM approval;

Licensed - DAFM approved feed business operators incorporating specified additives (including animal remedies) in the feed with a DAFM licence.
Residues: A residue means a residue of substances having a pharmacological action, of their metabolites and of other substances transmitted to animal products and likely to be harmful to human health.
Scheme: the Feed Quality Assurance Scheme consists of the following elements:

The FQAS Standard;

The process for ensuring that the requirements as set out in the Standard are met (through auditing, certification, etc.) and that the relevant details are published.
Schemes: there are several other Bord Bia schemes relating to various animal species / farm enterprises including the following: Beef and Lamb (BLQAS), Dairy (SDAS), Eggs (EQAS), Pigs (PQAS), Poultry (PPQAS).
These are referred to in the text as the “core”schemes and the standards that apply are referred to as “core standards”.
Standard: a document that sets out the criteria for participation in the Scheme.
Sustainability: the productive, competitive and efficient production of safe agricultural products, while protecting and improving the natural environment and the socio-economic conditions of farmers and local communities, and while safeguarding the health and welfare of all farmed species. (as stated in www.SAIplatform.org
of which, Bord Bia is an affiliate member).
Teagasc: The Agriculture and Food Development Authority.
Technical Advisory Committee: a committee representing the stakeholders in feed production, manufacture and use who are assigned the role of advising Bord Bia on the technical content of the Standard.
Veterinary Prescription / Veterinary Written Directive (VWD): this document is commonly referred to on farms as a “prescription”, however is more correctly entitled a Veterinary Written Directive (VWD). It is a document (containing the information specified in S.I. 786: 2007, Schedule 3) issued by a registered veterinary practitioner in respect of an animal or animals under his / her care that provides for the administration of an animal remedy.
Veterinary Product Approvals : medicines intended for use in animals each carry an approval. The following product approvals are relevant:

EMEA: European Medicines Evaluation Agency

VPA : Veterinary Product Approval from the HPRA: Health Products Regulatory Authority – the body in Ireland that regulates animal remedies.
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Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Standard, Bord Bia cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
It is not a requirement that the Participant be registered to any part of the ISO standards mentioned above
(sub-section 1.5), nor is it implied that meeting the requirements of this Standard will automatically mean full compliance with those standards. This Standard can, however, provide a basis for the attainment of compliance.
Bord Bia is not liable for any potential or estimated losses of earnings or costs (by applicants or members) associated with achieving compliance with any requirement of this scheme or in regard to the consequences of being found to be in breach of the criteria.
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NOTE: This section contains important general information for Participants and forms part of the overall requirements of the Standard. It is crucial that Participants take sufficient time to read and fully understand this section of the Standard (Scheme Regulations, all sub-sections).
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Products
Animal feedstuffs (as defined in the scope statements of the relevant sections of this Standard or in
Appendix 8) supplied by FQAS participants (as defined in Introduction 1.2) to certified members of the Bord
Bia core schemes are covered by the Scheme.
Participants
All suppliers of feedstuffs to farmers participating in the Bord Bia core schemes (Beef and Lamb Quality
Assurance Scheme; Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme; Egg Quality Assurance Scheme; Pig Quality
Assurance Scheme; Poultry Products Quality Assurance Scheme) must be certified under the FQAS.
Animal feed is a key element in the production of eggs, meat and milk from quality assured farms. The requirements of this scheme must be taken in conjunction with the requirements as set out in the core
Standards (Beef and Lamb, Dairy, Eggs, Pigs, Poultry).
Commencement / Transition
The FQAS came into operation on 1 st February 2015 and from that date, applications for membership can be accepted. Members of the other Bord Bia Schemes at farm level (Beef and Lamb, Dairy, Pigs, Poultry, Eggs) will not be required to source feeds from FQAS certified suppliers or to comply with the Home Mixing (Level
1 and 2) criteria until 1 st February 2016 subject to review. This period is provided to allow all relevant parties to become certified under the FQAS before that date.
Participation in the Scheme is voluntary and open to all suppliers of eligible feedstuffs that are registered / approved in accordance with relevant national and / or EU regulations (see definitions).
Applicants seeking membership must initially apply in writing to the Certification Body (or Bord Bia) using the application form that is provided on request. All applicants will be required to complete a declaration and
Manufacturer and Other Feedstuff Supplier applicants will, in addition, be required to give formal undertakings and to provide evidence of relevant liability insurances. Details of these requirements will be communicated through the application process.
The application will then be evaluated and, if appropriate, a full independent audit will be required to establish the capability of the applicant to meet all the requirements of the Standard. Certification under other accredited feed quality assurance schemes will be taken into account in the application process.
Note: The Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS), which is accredited to EN45011/ISO17065, has been evaluated and will be recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the FQAS
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When the applicant is deemed to have complied with the requirements of the Standard as determined by independent audit, the applicant will be considered for certification under the Scheme.
When certified, the applicant will become a certified Member, will be issued with a Membership Certificate and will be listed on the Bord Bia database / register. All Members are required to remain fully compliant with the requirements of the Scheme at all times.
1 Subject to UFAS members accepting the terms and conditions of the FQAS

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The Member is then eligible to apply for permission to use the Quality Assured Logo on approved specified product/packaging and/or related documentation.
A schedule of the fees applicable will be communicated by Bord Bia during the application process.
Database Information:
The names of all certified Members will be published on the Bord Bia register / database.
The types of products supplied must be registered on the Bord Bia database.
2.3.1 Control
Overall control of the Scheme will be exercised by the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Board. This Board is representative of the relevant sectors of the food industry and collaborates with the Technical Advisory
Committee, which is responsible for drafting the Standard and formulating required amendments.
The decision of the Quality Assurance Board on any matter relating to the control or operation of the
Scheme is final.
2.3.2 Monitoring
After the initial successful application, monitoring of Member’s compliance with the requirements of the
Standard will be carried out by Bord Bia or its nominated agents through audit.
Professional Auditors with sectoral experience will carry out these audits, generally at 18 month intervals, and a full report will be issued to the Participant.
Bord Bia reserves the right to carry out unscheduled (spot) audits on an announced or unannounced basis for the purposes of verifying ongoing compliance with the rules and requirements of this Standard or to determine that corrective / preventive / improvement actions specified during audit are in place. It is a requirement of membership that full co-operation is afforded the auditor during announced and unannounced audits. Failure to allow an auditor access to all relevant areas of the premises or all relevant records will result in suspension from the scheme.
Bord Bia reserves the right to remove samples of animal feedstuffs / ingredients for the purposes of testing by an independent Laboratory that is accredited to ISO17025 to determine compliance with the requirements of the Standard.
Auditors are entitled to seek access to relevant regulatory reports.
As required in ISO17065, Bord Bia will occasionally require the audit to be observed. This will be notified in advance to the auditee.
2.4.1 Terms and Categories
Mandatory Requirements are indicated in the text with the term “must”. All mandatory requirements appear in the text in each section in numbered list format as follows: a) All Participants must ….
Non-mandatory requirements are indicated in the text as Recommendations (see below).
The requirements and their meaning and significance (and compliance with these requirements as determined by audit or other means) are detailed here:
• Critical : where a breach of the requirements may constitute a grave and immediate feed or food safety risk. These requirements are indicated in the text in bold underlined typeface and the word
“Critical” appears in bold underlined text in parentheses at the end of the sentence or paragraph as follows ( Critical ).
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• General : where the requirements deal with core best practices. These requirements are indicated in the text in normal typeface.
• Recommendations : These are recommendations for best practice and are indicated in the text in italic typeface.
2.4.2 Application of Non-Compliances
For audit purposes, non-compliances against the requirements of this standard are classified as Critical, or
General.
• Critical: Where a non-compliance against a Critical requirement is identified during audit, applicants are denied access to the Scheme, and existing members are suspended pending verification that the problem has been effectively corrected as demonstrated through independent audit.
• General: Where a non-compliance against a General requirement is identified during audit, applicants are denied access to the Scheme and existing Members have a 2-month period to implement documented corrective action.
• Recommendations: While not mandatory, they are expected to be adopted unless evidence exists that the requirement(s) need not be adopted. This evidence will be examined on a case-by-case basis during audits.
2.4.3 Closeout of non-Compliances
At Manufacturer and Other Feed Supplier levels, a closeout process for non-compliances is required and must be completed by the Participant.
At farm level, non-compliances will be managed as per the Bord Bia scheme under which the farm enterprise is certified.
The decision to grant, extend or remove the certification of a Member of the FQAS will be made by the
Certification Committee. This decision will be made primarily on the basis of the audit findings, but other factors (such as failure to meet regulatory compliance or other food or feed safety requirements, or previous audit history) may be taken into consideration in arriving at the certification decision.
The membership certificate must be returned in the event that the Certification is withdrawn.
The Participant may appeal decisions that affect membership status by writing to the Certification Body (or
Bord Bia) within four weeks of the date of issue of the result of the audit. The request to appeal will be acknowledged and followed up by the Certification Body.
The Participant may complain with regard to the audits or any other aspect of the operation of the scheme.
All complaints must be in writing and must be addressed to the Certification Body (or Bord Bia). All such complaints will be acknowledged and followed up.
Users should note that only this latest edition now applies. When future changes occur, updates will be issued in whole or in part and the obsolete sections must be destroyed.
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In the event that the ownership, structure or management of the Participant changes, or in the event that the Management Representative changes, Bord Bia or its nominated Certification Body must be immediately informed.
The Quality Assured Scheme Logo is a registered Trade Mark. It is the property of Bord Bia and must only be used with Bord Bia’s prior full knowledge and written approval in accordance with Bord Bia’s Logo Use Policy available on the Bord Bia website ( www.bordbia.ie
) and on request from Bord Bia.
All aspects of the feed production and handling business will be included in the certification process and all feedstuffs will be included. It is not possible for a Participant to produce a feed product which falls outside of the scope of the FQAS
Members will be required to complete a declaration stating that the company / participant will:
• Make claims regarding certification only in respect of the product scope for which certification has been granted;
• Not use certification in such a manner as to bring Bord Bia into disrepute and not to make any statement regarding its company’s product certification which the certification body may consider misleading or unauthorised;
• Upon suspension or cancellation of certification, discontinue its use of all advertising matter that contains any reference to the Bord Bia logo or to Certification under the Bord Bia scheme and to return any certification documents as required by the certification body;
• Use certification only to indicate that products are certified as being in conformity with the Bord Bia
FQAS standard;
• Implement measures to ensure that no certificate, report, or any part thereof is used in a misleading manner;
• Comply with the requirements of Bord Bia where reference is made to Bord Bia certification in any communication media such as documents, brochures or advertising.
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All Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) certified Members (including feed compounders, mineral / vitamin supplement manufacturers, importers, other feed suppliers, Home Mixers) and Bord Bia farm enterprises certified under other Bord Bia Schemes are required to purchase all feed inputs, which are obtained within Ireland, from Bord Bia certified FQAS suppliers.
Suppliers of compound feeds, feed ingredients (including by-products) and mineral / vitamin supplements therefore need to be certified by Bord Bia in order to be eligible to supply products to Bord Bia assured farms and home mixers.
The requirements of this section apply to all FQAS participants involved in the manufacture of compound feeds, mineral / vitamin supplements, or other feedstuffs that are sold to farmers, other companies or to other organisations or personnel in the feed supply chain.
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a) A quality management system (ideally with external certification to ISO9001:2008 or equivalent) must be in place that is formally documented, addresses all the requirements of this Standard and is based on HACCP principles. b) The quality system must clearly establish how the process is managed in order to produce suitable and compliant product. c) Records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years except where otherwise indicated in the
Standard. d) A comprehensive documented supplier auditing programme with the frequency and extent of the audits being based on a risk evaluation must be in place. e) A register of all personnel that provide services to the company including maintenance, transport and other services must be maintained. f) Documented quality control procedures must be in place with a designated qualified person responsible for the management of the QC processes. g) Each participant must sign a declaration stating that the requirements of the Bord Bia schemes will be observed for all feedstuff products supplied (Critical). h) Participants should carry out an analysis of current and future market requirements (e.g. including those of a regulatory nature, audit reports, customer complaints and incidences of nonconformance). This can be included in the Management Review (see below). i) Participants should maintain up-to-date information on all developments relevant to the operation of the Scheme.
a) An organisation chart must be maintained showing the company structure. b) The commitment of senior management to the effective implementation of the requirements of this
Standard must be clearly demonstrated and communicated.

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Page 2 of 16 c) The responsibilities of key personnel must be documented. d) Management must be able to demonstrate an adequate level of technical support with appropriate qualifications / competence and other resources for the effective implementation of the Standard. e) In the event that a critical non-compliance is identified during internal audits or routine checks, the Participant must immediately notify Bord Bia and implement the relevant procedures
(including recall where necessary) (Critical) . f) In the event that a significant feed safety issue arises and is identified during internal or external audits or during routine checks, the Participant must immediately notify DAFM (or equivalent) and implement the relevant procedures (including recall where necessary) (Critical) . g) Management must define the person(s) with responsibility for: i.
Hygiene and biosecurity; ii.
Non-conforming product management; iii.
Corrective and preventive action management; iv.
Managing complaints; v.
Product recall.
a) Management must define the person(s) who, irrespective of other responsibilities, is ideally independent of the production function and who has responsibility for establishing an effective system to demonstrate that the requirements of the Standard and the relevant regulatory requirements (see also Appendix 1: Reference Information) are being met.
a) Management, which must include senior Management, must meet at least annually with a clearly defined agenda to: i.
Review the complete Quality System for improvement opportunities; ii.
Ensure that all aspects of the Quality System as specified in these requirements remain suitable and effective and that preventive or corrective actions are assigned, documented and implemented; iii.
Review all Quality System data to establish and assign responsibility for improvements including Audit Reports, Customer Complaints, Customer Satisfaction Data, Process and
Non-conformance Data; iv.
Set out Quality Improvement Objectives for the next year. b) Minutes of this meeting(s) must be retained.
a) Records must demonstrate that the Health and Safety policy has been communicated to all personnel on site (employees, contractors, visitors, etc). b) Current insurance policies must be in place meeting the Bord Bia requirements for public liability, product liability, and employer liability.
a) Manufacturers must document and communicate to all employees their policies on employment
(permanent and temporary), minimum wages, working conditions, working hours, equal opportunities, discrimination, resolution of disciplinary issues, etc. b) Manufacturers must document and communicate their ethical trading policies.
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Page 3 of 16 a) The Manufacturer’s Quality System documentation must include or reference all the procedures, records and plans specified in this Standard. b) The Quality System documentation must be accessible so that all employees clearly understand their roles and responsibilities in the operation of the process.
a) Manufacturers must document (such as by flow diagram showing) all the steps of each process from intake to final product dispatch. b) The Manufacturer must have documented procedures that cover all stages of the operation that could affect product quality and that define how each relevant process / stage
1 is managed to ensure
the quality and safety of the feed product throughout the process. c) The procedures must be supported by documentation (e.g. work instructions) that defines how each stage of each process is to be conducted and the equipment to be used at each stage. d) For each process / stage, the documentation must include the following: i.
A detailed description of each process step including steps in the process where rework may arise or be dealt with, ii.
The control measures applicable to each step in the process, iii.
The responsibility and frequency for monitoring at each step where relevant in the process, iv.
The tests / checks that must be performed to verify that the limits for each step are not exceeded, v.
The corrective action to be taken if a non-conformance occurs at any step. vi.
Identification of the responsibilities, procedures and records applicable for each step in the process. e) The Quality Assurance (QA) control plan must be verified annually at a minimum or whenever a change that could affect the process is implemented. f) The data must be monitored and trends analysed so that appropriate preventive or corrective actions can be taken and documented. g) Evidence must be maintained to demonstrate that the quality control plan is actively supported by senior Management.
Note: See also the requirements for non-conforming product management detailed in Section 3.12
Background information
It is recommended that the requirements for document and data control as outlined in the ISO9000 series of standards should be adopted. a) All documents and data (including this Standard, Customer and Regulatory documentation and other relevant external documentation) that relate to the requirements of this Standard must be managed and controlled as part of the Quality Management System (see Appendix 1 for References).
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1 Stages include (but not limited to) the following: intake, drying, storage, grinding, mixing, conditioning / heat treatment, pelleting, cooling; and processes include (but not limited to) the following: weighing, packaging, labelling, metal detection, aspiration, sieving / separation, etc

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Page 4 of 16 b) With regard to all documentation (either paper or computer based), the Participant must ensure that: i.
Only current issues of all documents are available for use; ii.
All documents (either paper or computer based) are authorised and identified with the current status; iii.
A procedure for issue of new documents, or amending existing documents, or removal of obsolete documents is in place and is effective; iv.
Data is reviewed and signed off by an authorised person; v.
A master list of current documents and procedures exists; vi.
Applicable documents of external origin are identified and effectively controlled.
a) There must be an effective system in place for the control of all quality records an alternative period is required by regulations.
2 : these must be
maintained at a secure location and must be retrievable for a minimum period of three years unless b) Records relating to traceability must be retained and immediately available for 6 months after the placing of feedstuffs on the market.
a) There must be a comprehensive training programme for all personnel on site / in the employment of the company with records maintained demonstrating the capability of each person with regards to the operations being carried out by that person. b) The Participant must ensure that the person with overall responsibility for training is identified. c) An annual review of the training needs of all staff must be conducted to verify the effectiveness of the training given and to create a plan for training requirements. d) All operational staff, including maintenance staff must receive induction and on-going feed hygiene and appropriate HACCP training; records of this must be maintained. e) The responsibilities of all staff must be documented e.g. through a job description. f) Management and key operational staff should have received an appreciation of the tools and techniques of Total Quality Management / Continuous Improvement.
a) There must be a documented procedure to ensure that product / material at any stage that does not conform to requirements, is prevented from unintended use or release.
Note: This includes sweepings, returns, material collected as a result of leakages in the system, etc. b) The procedure must provide for clear identification, adequate segregation and final disposition of the non-conforming material and records of such disposition must be maintained. c) The disposition must only be conducted in a manner that permits full traceability and must only be authorised by the personnel as specified above in 3.2 Management Responsibility. d) Disposition must be carried out as follows: i.
Reworking to meet requirements; or ii.
Acceptance with or without reworking by agreed concession from the customer; or iii.
Re-grading, including where necessary re-labelling, for alternative use to which it fully conforms; or iv.
Rejection and destruction.
2
This means the records as determined by the organization to be necessary to ensure the effective planning, operation and control of its processes.
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Page 5 of 16 a) Manufacturers must establish documented procedures for the scheduling, planning and the implementation of internal audits to verify internal compliance with the requirements of the
Standard and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Quality System, records and procedures.
(See also the responsibility for reporting critical non-compliances in Management Responsibility,
Requirement 3.2 above). b) All corrective and preventive actions defined in these audits must be documented, assigned and tracked until completed by target completion dates. c) The records of such audits must be maintained. d) Internal auditors must have received training in the requirements of the Standard. e) Internal auditors should be independent of the activity being audited and should also have received formal training in auditing skills.
a) It must be possible to trace all feed ingredients to the supplier. b) Traceability of feed products to customers / buyers must be in place and effective (Critical). c) There must be an effective recall system in place with documented annual test of this system.
a) Participants must have an inspection, sampling and testing regime that complies with the regulatory requirements, the HACCP plan, the Quality Control Plan and is based on the Guidelines in Appendix
5. b) Participants must have records to demonstrate that the regime in place includes the following: i.
Inspection, sampling and testing procedures; ii.
Inspection, sampling and testing frequencies; iii.
Responsibility for inspection, sampling and testing; iv.
Responsibility for corrective action. c) Participants must document the procedures used for all inspection and testing (for raw materials, inprocess materials and finished product) and maintain records to demonstrate ongoing compliance with all controls. d) The Participant must be able to demonstrate that procedures are in place to ensure that samples are representative. e) Testing on regulatory parameters must be carried out in a laboratory that has regulatory approval
(DAFM or equivalent in other jurisdictions) or has ISO 17025 accreditation for the specific test(s). f) A sample of each batch of product supplied must be retained for 3 months and the sample retention process must ensure that no deterioration occurs with respect to microbiological or chemical parameters. g) Where relevant, the competence of the Participant’s laboratory staff must be demonstrated (e.g. through training records, certifications etc.). h) The suitability, effectiveness and accuracy of the test methods must be demonstrated (e.g. by reference to industry norms or other standard test methodologies and by laboratory test validation). i) Unless otherwise specified in this Standard, where testing is outsourced, it is recommended that the
Participant use laboratories independently accredited to ISO 17025 for that test. j) All measurement systems must be capable of complying with regulatory requirements for accuracy. k) There must be documented evidence establishing the capability of key processes (including homogeneity of mixing, etc.).
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Page 6 of 16 l) These tests must be carried out on installation or amendment of key relevant equipment such as mixers.
Background Information
Participants need to document the procedures used to control, calibrate and maintain inspection, measuring and test equipment used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Standard. a) A register of all inspection measuring and test equipment must be maintained which includes: i.
Identity / location; ii.
Operating range; iii.
Tolerance and accuracy required; iv.
Calibration frequency and responsibility; v.
Calibration method or reference; vi.
Operational checking (e.g. start-up checks) to ensure continuing accuracy. b) A programme for the calibration of all equipment monitoring and process control instruments
(temperature, pressure, humidity, weight, volume, etc.) where the calibrations are traceable to
National standard must be in place and records maintained. c) When a device is found to be out of calibration, an assessment must be made of the validity of previous results and the likely impact of inaccurate results and the appropriate corrective actions must be determined and recorded.
Corrective and Preventive Action a) There must be documented and effective procedures for Corrective and Preventive action management. b) Corrective and Preventive actions must be tracked and their priorities appropriately identified (e.g. by means of defined time scales for completion).
Customer Complaints c) Participants must establish an effective procedure for handling of customer complaints, including any of regulatory origin. d) The procedures must clearly outline responsibilities for logging, tracking and closing off complaints in conjunction with the complainant. e) The complaint log and related correspondence must be maintained.
Background Information
Participants will be aware of the need to have in place a feed safety management system based on the
HACCP principles. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognised system for the identification and control of hazards. The application of a HACCP-based approach helps an operator to identify the relevant hazards, quantify the associated risks and establish effective controls in relation to their own particular products and processes. The system then enables the operator to document, control and verify the effect of these control measures.
The participant will also be aware of the need to have a robust process control system in place to manage the daily tasks of good manufacturing practice (GMP or prerequisites). a) Documentation must be maintained that demonstrates that the essential “Pre-requisite” requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) have been adequately addressed at all appropriate steps, including the sourcing and purchasing of feed inputs.
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Page 7 of 16 b) The Participant must have a documented Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan which shows how product / process safety is ensured through the identification, monitoring and control of hazards (Critical).
c) The senior manager or owner must have primary responsibility for the effectiveness of the HACCP plan (Critical).
d) The HACCP plan must comply with the following: i.
It must be put in place by a multi-disciplined team ; ii.
At least one member of this team should have received formal training in the application of
HACCP Principles. e) At a minimum the HACCP Plan must include: i.
A detailed description of the products and process steps (e.g. a flow diagram showing all the steps of each process); ii.
A detailed description of the hazards (chemical, microbiological and physical / foreign bodies) that could arise at each process step and the risks that these represent; iii.
The identification of the Critical Control Points (CCP) in the plan; iv.
The limits that must be met to ensure control of each CCP; v.
The monitoring required to ensure that control of each CCP is maintained; vi.
The corrective action to be taken if a non-conformance occurs at a CCP; vii.
The responsibilities, procedures and records that are applicable at each CCP. f) The HACCP plan must be validated to ensure that it is effective, reviewed when changes (e.g. to products, processes, procedures, equipment, storage or distribution) occur and subsequently verified / tested annually at a minimum to ensure that it remains effective. g) The Participant must establish a schedule for this verification / testing where the frequency is based on the established risks and the safety (including microbiological history) of the product. h) The data must be monitored and trends analysed so that appropriate actions or corrective actions can be taken and documented. i) The HACCP plan must be supported by the GMP and GHP Plans required to address sub-sections
3.19 – 3.25 below. j) In the event that a change is made to the process, ingredients, equipment or procedures, that could have a significant effect on the risks assessment conducted as part of HACCP, the HACCP plan must be reviewed and the Participant must inform Bord Bia.
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a) A schedule (minimum annual) for the cleaning of storage facilities (e.g. bins / bays) and associated areas must be in place and records demonstrating that the cleaning was undertaken must be maintained. b) Documentation must be available that demonstrates that all personnel coming in contact with feeds or feed ingredients are aware of the impact that they could have on the operation and have received information appropriate to this impact. c) Effective systems must be in place to prevent access by animals including pets. d) There must be effective controls in place with regards to access to grounds (animals, personnel, vehicles) and facilities (stores, lines, equipment, etc.). e) A visitor and vehicle register must be maintained where the following is recorded: Date, Time of visit,
Name / Organisation, Vehicle Registration number, if applicable. f) Dedicated outer clothing and footwear must be used in the feed handling area. g) Hand-washing facilities must be provided that are accessible from the feed mill / mixing area and that are separate from the toilet facilities.
Background Information
Participants will be aware of the need to use pest control products in a responsible way. This involves minimising the impact on the environment and the exposure to non-target species through good practices and controls. Selection of the pest control products and placement of them has an important bearing on this. (See link in Appendix 1, Reference Information, Page 3 Responsible Use of Rodenticides) a) A formal pest control programme for plant and grounds must be in place. b) There must be effective rodent and bird proofing / exclusion facilities for all areas with monthly audit of the effectiveness of these facilities. c) A rodent baiting programme must reflect the label instructions for the rodenticide selected and include the following: i.
A plan identifying the location of all bait points; ii.
Measures to ensure bait is not exposed to non-target species and does not contaminate feed or water; iii.
Record of regular inspections and replenishment of bait points; iv.
Records demonstrating that the rodenticides used each had a valid PCS number; v.
Routine collection of dead rodents and safe disposal as per product label instructions. d) There must be an annual review of the pest control measures (e.g. by a qualified field biologist) and this must be documented. e) Insect infestation by weevils, mites, flies and cockroaches must be monitored and controlled (where necessary by the application of physical or chemical treatments in addition to structural and operational hygiene and environmental controls).
a) A hygiene programme for the plant and surrounds including waste storage areas must be in place and documented. b) There must be a site map in place that identifies all the internal and external areas where feed materials could be compromised (e.g. by cross-contamination, excess moisture, other contamination).
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Page 9 of 16 c) There must be a list of all equipment and plant that comes into contact with feed materials or feed ingredients. d) There must be a cleaning schedule in place for all equipment, plant and areas and records must be maintained that effective cleaning occurred and was recorded. e) The cleaning schedule must also address the external areas including roofs, gutters, drains and aprons. f) There must be systems in place (e.g. through provision of concreted yards) to prevent wet material being tracked into the store/facility. g) Buildings and equipment should be designed, sited, constructed, maintained and managed so as to minimise risk of contamination.
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a) Evidence must be available that all ingredients are: i.
Permitted under EU legislation and / or listed in (EU) 68/2013 the feed catalogue (see
Appendix 1); ii.
Sourced from suppliers that have documented regulatory approval / registration; iii.
And, where purchased in Ireland, are obtained from Bord Bia FQAS certified Manufacturers and Other Feed Suppliers. b) The Manufacturer must maintain a list of all suppliers with contact details that they have approved to supply materials and services that could affect product quality and / or feed safety. c) All approved supplier lists must be reviewed at defined intervals to maintain accuracy of the information (and this should include a risk assessment review). d) There must be specifications for all raw materials that could affect product quality and feed safety. e) The Participant must maintain a list of the products purchased with details that include the following: name and address of supplier, quantity and nature of products supplied, date of supply for each product. f) All incoming materials must be inspected against the specifications in accordance with an inspection schedule prior to release to the process and a record of these checks and approvals must be maintained. g) An effective stock rotation of all raw materials and feedstuff products must be in place. h) Documentation must be maintained to demonstrate that the traceability of all feed materials is fully established at all stages (purchasing, intake, use). i) Where a fuel other than electricity is used in the drying of any feed material, a certificate must be maintained that demonstrates that only those fuels specified in Appendix 3 were used (Critical).
Background Information
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 states that there is to be an adequate supply of potable water which is to be used in the process whenever necessary to ensure that feedstuffs are not contaminated. The term “Potable water” refers to water for human consumption as defined in S.I. 278: 2007 a) Samples of the water used in the process must be tested on an annual basis at a minimum by a laboratory ISO17025 accredited for the relevant tests. b) The samples must be taken from multiple water use sample points by trained personnel (see also
Appendix 6) and the results must be retained. c) In the event that the source of the water is changed at any time, the water must be re-tested before use. d) Microbiological analysis of the process water supply must comply with the following: i.
E. coli ii.
Enterococci
0 / 100 ml
0 / 100 ml e) If there is a failure (detection of either organisms), an alternative compliant supply must be used immediately; corrective measures must be taken and the original supply may be reused when it has been demonstrated to be compliant.
(ISO method 9308-1);
(ISO method 7899-2). f) The Manufacturer must also have a procedure in place to verify that the water supplied within the plant meets the regulatory physico-chemical parameters
3
.
3 S.I. 122:2014 as amended Part 1, Table A (Microbiological) and Table B (Chemical). Data from the water supplier can be used to demonstrate compliance with Table B.
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Page 11 of 16 g) A programme must be in place to prevent organic matter build up in water storage tanks. h) There must be a water distribution system map or drawing showing, the source of the water, the storage facilities (tanks etc.), the Hot and Cold distribution systems in the plant and the locations of the sampling points which must be located in feed processing areas. i) Storage Tanks must conform to the following specification: i.
Manufactured from inert material; ii.
Covered and fitted with an inspection hatch; iii.
Water inlet at the top of the tank (to prevent sediment disturbance); iv.
Water outlet at the bottom of the tank; v.
Fitted with screened vent pipes. j) Where the water supply is derived from well(s), the well-head(s) must be sealed and the area around the well-head(s) maintained to prevent water contamination. k) Non-potable water is not permitted in the plant except where dedicated pipes are used and the nonpotable water pipes are clearly distinguished from Potable pipes to prevent inadvertent use.
a) Current certificates of suitability for use in the manufacture of animal feed must be maintained for detergents (including soaps), lubricants, and sanitisers. b) All such materials and chemicals must be stored in a manner that permits control over their use and that prevents contamination of feeds or the environment.
a) Information must be available to demonstrate that packaging materials used are not a source of hazardous contamination of feed. (e.g. certificate of conformance, declaration from suppliers) b) Documentation must be maintained to demonstrate that the traceability of all such materials that could come into contact with feed is fully established at all stages (purchasing, intake, use). c) Reusing packaging is only permitted where permission for its reuse is obtained from DAFM and a record maintained.
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a) The process must be capable of compliance with all the relevant requirements of the Bord Bia
Quality Assurance Schemes as set out in Appendix 2 (Critical). b) An effective system for the prevention of cross contamination of finished feeds through the provision of dedicated storage and handling facilities or through the implementation of rigorous cleaning regimes must be in place (Critical). c) There must be effective segregation of veterinary medicines in storage with access only on an authorised basis. d) There must be an effective system for the prevention of cross contamination by materials intended for other species.
e) The following additional controls must be in place to ensure that with regard to medicines: i.
All medicines are authorised and carry a VPA or EU authorisation number; ii.
There are purchase records demonstrating clear regulatory licensing of the medicine supplier / wholesaler; iii.
All medicine products are fully and clearly identified at all times; iv.
The medicines have a clear expiry date, and that expired medicines are segregated and prevented from further use; v.
Medicines are kept in fully controlled / segregated storage and in a manner that ensures correct rotational use; vi.
Medicines are only incorporated in feeds on foot of a valid Veterinary Written Directive (i.e. prescription); vii.
The best before date of the feed must take into account the shelf life of the medicine(s) once incorporated in the feed; viii.
There is a system for the control of used packaging / containers pending approved disposal. f) Where direct drying systems are in place, the drying equipment must be managed and operated in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 3. g) Where other heat treatment systems are used (conditioning, toasting, micronising or other such treatments) that use direct heating, the system must be operated and maintained as defined in
Appendix 3.
a) Procedures must be in place to minimise the risk of filling / dispensing errors at the mixing stage. b) There must be a documented system in place for managing the process and maintaining records
(Critical) c) Process management documents must include product formulae, product specifications, and storage production conditions and the key control points in the processes. d) Sieves, screens, filters, separators, magnets and metal detectors must be checked according to a documented schedule to ensure that they are not damaged and that they are operating effectively.
a) There must be a hard plastics and glass register for all areas and audits of the glass and hard plastics must be conducted according to a documented schedule. b) A maintenance programme for all equipment, facilities and trucks must be in place with records demonstrating that maintenance is up to date.
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General a) There must be a programme in place for the management of all wastes (including packaging, unusable feed materials, dusts and other wastes) so that these materials are controlled pending disposal in accordance with the regulations. b) Waste materials must be controlled in the production area and must be stored in containers pending collection / disposal. c) Participants must have procedures to prevent waste material coming in contact with product for sale.
Containers and Skips d) Waste containers must be clearly identified so that they cannot be mistaken for feed use containers. e) Waste containers must be clearly designated and identified according the type of waste (separate waste containers for feed and non-feed materials) to be disposed in them. f) Waste containers must be available at appropriate locations. g) Skips must be covered at all times except when being filled and be located as far as practicable from the “Clean” area. h) Skips must be sited on a concrete surface that ensures that any leakage is contained and disposed of safely. i) Skips must be managed to minimise spillages and any spillages cleaned up immediately.
Other Waste Material j) Discarded wrapping, packaging and other refuse must be placed in designated bins or skips so that it does not compromise the hygiene of the premises and does not provide a habitat for pests and vermin.
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a) The storage (including offsite storage by third parties) of all raw materials that could affect product quality or safety (including stock rotation and storage life) must be managed in a way that ensures continuing fitness for purpose. b) Provision must be made to permit full inspection of all raw material and finished products in stores. c) Access to all stores must be controlled. d) All storage areas must be on the cleaning schedule. e) There must be a system in place to ensure that the store / silo is compatible with the material that is intended to be placed inside it. f) A record must be maintained of all bin / bay emptying and cleaning operations so as to facilitate traceability of materials stored and to prevent cross contamination. g) The areas above the stores must be maintained, lit and ventilated to prevent material build-up and these areas must be on the cleaning schedule.
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a) The Manufacturer must have a system in place to be able to provide representative samples of the product being delivered to the producer.
a) All products supplied must be labelled so as to be compliant with the feed labelling regulations. b) Labels must be traceable to documented formulae for the feed in question where the formula fully supports the label declaration. c) Feed containing excessive levels of undesirable substances must be labelled as such including the words “only to be used for feed after detoxification or cleaning”. d) A statutory compositional declaration must be included in the documentation supplied with all products. e) There must be a documented procedure to ensure that the Bord Bia logo is only used on a specific product when approval for that use has been received from Bord Bia.
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Background Information
All transporters will be aware of the EU legislation in relation to transportation. In addition, the provisions of
EC/183/2005 on feed hygiene (see in particular Article 5) places responsibilities on food business operators to implement controls to protect the safety of the feedstuffs in their care (See Appendix 1).
a) Participants must have a documented procedure for the approval of feed hauliers and maintain a list of the approved hauliers on the Bord Bia database. b) The haulier approval procedure must specify when cleaning of vehicles is required prior to acceptance of a consignment. c) The haulier approval process must include an annual renewal of approval including a renewal of the commitments as required by the Manufacturer. d) Participants must ensure that all feed hauliers have current haulier certification and have received training appropriate to the collection and delivery of feeds and feed ingredients. e) A schedule for the inspection of all hauliers must be in place. f) Feed hauliers must only use transport equipment (e.g. trailers) that is dedicated to animal feedstuffs. g) All hauliers must present evidence of cleaning / sanitising prior to acceptance of a consignment for delivery where required. h) All hauliers must be required to maintain a record of the previous three deliveries and details of these loads must be recorded by the Participant. i) A documented hygiene programme for all vehicles carrying feedstuffs with signed cleaning records must be in place. j) Only vehicles that are clean and free of strong odours must be used for the transportation of feed materials. k) Feed delivery vehicles are prohibited under the FQAS from transporting materials on the exclusion list in Appendix 4, Transportation Exclusion. l) All feed delivery vehicles involved in delivering feeds onto the farm must be inspected prior to loading and, once loaded, a record copied to the consignee must be maintained of the following: i.
Date, ii.
Vehicle Operator or Owner, iii.
Vehicle registration or trailer identification number, iv.
Material on board for delivery, v.
Quantity, vi.
Certificate or other documentation accurately describing the material vii.
Consignee.
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All Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) certified Members (including feed compounders, mineral / vitamin supplement manufacturers, importers, other feed suppliers, Home Mixers) and Bord Bia farm enterprises certified under other Bord Bia Schemes are required to purchase all feed inputs obtained within
Ireland from Bord Bia certified FQAS suppliers.
Suppliers of compound feeds, feed ingredients (including by-products) and mineral / vitamin supplements therefore need to be registered with Bord Bia in order to be eligible to supply products to Bord Bia assured farms and home mixers.
The requirements of this section apply to those who supply (not manufacture or mix) or import feed materials (including ingredients, premixes (including mineral / vitamins supplements, blocks, licks, etc)) and complementary feeds (as permitted under EU legislation)) to:

Compounders for feed manufacture;

Farms for consumption on the farm (either through direct feeding to animals or through use in home mixing); or

Other feedstuff suppliers including feed retailers and merchants.
Physical processing of these materials is permitted where the processed material is listed in Appendix 8 of the Standard. Other processes may be permitted, however the permission of Bord Bia in this regard is first required.
The requirements in this section (4.Other Feed Suppliers) apply to all facilities used or controlled by the participant whether owned or rented.
Merchants who trade only in packaged product do not need to apply for FQAS membership.
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a) Each participant must sign a declaration stating that the requirements of the Bord Bia schemes will be observed for all products supplied (Critical) b) Primary responsibility for the effectiveness of the Food Safety Management (FSM) plan rests with the senior manager or owner. (Critical) c) All participants must have attended a Bord Bia FQAS Training programme. d) Each participant must be registered / approved with DAFM as a feed business operator. e) A copy of each DAFM inspection report must be retained. f) A sample of each product supplied must be retained for 3 months and the sample retention process must ensure that no deterioration occurs with respect to microbiological or chemical parameters. g) There must be a documented system for effective control of non-conforming product including returns. h) There must be an effective recall system in place with documented annual test of this system. i) There must be an effective system for recording and resolving complaints. j) All records required under the FQAS must be retained for 3 years unless otherwise specified in the
Standard.
a) There must be an organisation chart for the operation. b) The responsibilities and qualifications of all staff must be documented. c) A person(s) must be identified that has responsibility for ensuring compliance with all the requirements for the Bord Bia Feed Standard.
4
a) The Participant must ensure that the person with overall responsibility for training is identified. b) An annual review of the training needs of all staff must be conducted to verify the effectiveness of the training given and to create a plan for training requirements. c) All operational staff, including maintenance staff must receive induction and on-going feed hygiene and appropriate FSM training; records of this must be maintained. d) Training records must be maintained for all personnel performing key tasks.
a) Documentation must be maintained that demonstrates that the essential “Pre-requisite” requirements of Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) have been adequately addressed at all appropriate steps, including procurement, and also where machinery / equipment is used. b) The Participant must have a Feed Safety Management (FSM) system based on HACCP principles in place which shows how product / process safety is ensured through control and prevention
(Critical).
c) The FSM Plan must comply with the following: i.
This plan must be supported by senior Management; ii.
It must be put in place by a multi-disciplined team;

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At least one member of this team should have received formal training in the application of
HACCP Principles. d) At a minimum the FSM Plan must include: i.
A detailed description of the products and process steps (e.g. a flow diagram showing all the steps of each process); ii.
A detailed description of the hazards (chemical, microbiological and physical / foreign bodies) that could arise at each process step and the risks that these represent; iii.
The identification of the Critical Control Points (CCP); iv.
The limits that must be met to ensure control of each CCP; v.
The monitoring required to ensure that control of each CCP is maintained; vi.
The corrective action to be taken if a non-conformance occurs at a CCP; vii.
The responsibilities, procedures and records that are applicable at each CCP. e) The FSM plan must be verified / tested annually or when a significant change is made to the process to ensure that it is effective. f) The Participant must establish a schedule for this verification / testing where the frequency is based on the established risks and the safety including the microbiological history of the product. g) The data must be monitored and trends analysed so that appropriate actions or corrective actions can be taken and documented. h) The FSM plan must be incorporate the biosecurity requirements in Part B below (4.5 – 4.8). i) In the event that a significant change is made to the process, ingredients, equipment or procedures, the FSM plan must be reviewed and the Participant must inform Bord Bia.
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a) An effective cleaning programme must be in place to ensure that driers are fully cleaned down at the end of a drying campaign and records must be maintained to demonstrate this. b) The ingredient intake and storage areas must be bird and rodent proofed. c) Animals must be effectively excluded from the site where feedstuffs are handled. d) There must be systems in place (e.g. through provision of concreted yards) to prevent wet material being tracked into the store/facility.
4
Background Information
Participants will be aware of the need to use pest control products in a responsible way. This involves minimising the impact on the environment and the exposure to non-target species through good practices and controls. Selection of the pest control products and placement of them has an important bearing on this. (See link in Appendix 1, Reference Information, Page 3 Responsible Use of Rodenticides) a) The feed handling area must be bird and rodent proofed. b) There must be a rodent and bird control plan for the facility. c) A rodent baiting programme must reflect the label instructions for the rodenticide selected and include the following: i.
A plan identifying the location of all bait points; ii.
Measures to ensure bait is not exposed to non-target species and does not contaminate feed or water; iii.
Records of regular inspections and replenishment of bait points; iv.
Records demonstrating that the rodenticides used each had a valid PCS number; v.
Routine collection of dead rodents and safe disposal as per product label instructions. d) An annual review of the effectiveness of the bird and rodent prevention / control systems must be conducted (e.g. by a field biologist) and a record maintained. e) Insect infestation (including weevils, mites, flies and cockroaches) must be monitored and controlled
(where necessary by the application of physical or chemical treatments in addition to structural and operational hygiene and environmental controls).
a) A hygiene programme for the plant and surrounds must be in place and documented. b) Dedicated outer clothing and footwear must be used in the feed handling area. c) Hand-washing facilities must be provided in the feed handling area. d) There must be a cleaning schedule for all areas and equipment with records for those operations signed by a manager or person with designated responsibility. e) A schedule (minimum annual) for the cleaning of storage facilities (e.g. bins / bays / areas) must be in place and records demonstrating that the cleaning was undertaken must be maintained. f) A record of the emptying of storage bins must be in place demonstrating that cross contamination was minimised. g) A documented hygiene programme for trucks with signed cleaning records must be in place.

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Page 5 of 9 h) There must be a site map in place that identifies all the internal and external areas where feed materials could be compromised (e.g. by cross-contamination, excess moisture, other contamination). i) There must be a list of all equipment and plant that comes into contact with feed materials or feed ingredients. j) The cleaning schedule must also address the external areas including roofs, gutters, drains and aprons. k) Buildings and equipment must be designed, sited, constructed, maintained and managed so as to minimise risk of contamination.
4
a) There must be a programme in place for the management of all wastes (including packaging, unusable feed materials, dusts and other wastes) so that these materials are controlled pending disposal in accordance with the regulations.

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4
For Other Feed Suppliers, where feed materials are obtained outside Ireland, the current legal controls apply to the importation of these materials. a) Only feeds on the Permitted Feeds list in Appendix 8, Categorised Feeds are permitted. b) Feed ingredients / materials obtained within Ireland must be from Bord Bia FQAS certified supplier unless exempt (i.e. crops grown in Ireland intended for feeding to animals and obtained directly from the farmer who produced the crop (Critical). c) A full list of all suppliers must be maintained. d) A record of all ingredients (supplier, quantity, batch, date of manufacture, use by date, etc as per labelling regulations) purchased from each supplier must be maintained. e) Where surplus food is handled / sold, the food must have been obtained from a food manufacturing premises where FSM controls are in place to the point of dispatch of the surplus food product (Critical) .
f) Where other feed materials (food by-product, surplus food product, biofuel by-product, etc.) are obtained for supply for animal feed, there must be evidence that the supplier has a formal Food
Safety Management system based on HACCP principles in place that has taken this material into account. g) Records relating to all feed ingredients supplied must be maintained for a minimum 3 year. h) Where a fuel other than electricity is used in the drying of any feed material, a certificate must be maintained that demonstrates that only those fuels specified in Appendix 3 were used (Critical) i) Water used in processes or in the cleaning programme must be obtained from a clean potable water source and this must be demonstrated by data obtained as specified in Appendix 5. j) Information must be available to demonstrate that packaging materials used are not a source of hazardous contamination of feed. (e.g. certificate of conformance, declaration from suppliers)

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a) All processes (including drying, rolling, crimping, grinding) carried out by the Participant must be registered with Bord Bia. b) Where the Participant requires to commence operating a new process not registered with Bord Bia, an application must be made prior to commencement. c) Where direct drying systems are in place, the drying equipment must be managed and operated in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 3. d) Where physical processes involve the addition of additives (including surfactants) these additives must be on the EU permitted list, and the quantity and batch codes of each such additive must be documented to permit full traceability of the additives.
4

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a) Participants must have an inspection, sampling and testing regime that complies with the regulatory requirements, the HACCP plan, the Quality Control Plan and is based on the Guidelines in Appendix
5. b) Participants must have records to demonstrate that the regime in place includes the following: i.
Inspection, sampling and testing procedures; ii.
Inspection, sampling and testing frequencies; iii.
Responsibility for inspection, sampling and testing; iv.
Responsibility for corrective action. c) All products supplied must be labelled so as to be compliant with the feed labelling regulations. d) Labels must clearly identify that the feed was obtained from a FQAS certified source (Manufacturer /
Other Feed Supplier).
a) A record of the products supplied must be maintained that documents: i.
The quantity of each batch supplied; ii.
All the ingredients used in that batch; iii.
The animal species for which the batch was intended, where this has been determined; iv.
The farm(s) to whom the product were supplied, where this has been determined; v.
Bord Bia certification status / number. b) A statutory compositional declaration must be provided with all products supplied. c) Participants must have a documented procedure for the approval of feed hauliers who must all be
DAFM registered and the list of approved hauliers must be maintained.
a) Participants must ensure that all feed hauliers have received training appropriate to the collection and delivery of feeds and feed ingredients. b) All vehicles involved in collection or delivery of feedstuffs must be inspected prior to delivery and a record maintained of the following: i.
Date, Material delivered, Quantity, certificate or other documentation accurately describing the material; ii.
Vehicle registration number, details of the last 3 deliveries; iii.
Cleanliness and freedom from strong odours. c) A documented inspection based on the requirements of this Standard of the hygiene and suitability of all transportation units / vehicles must be carried out prior to unloading. d) An annual audit of all hauliers must be conducted and documented. e) All hauliers of feed materials must be approved (as per 4.12.c) and registered on the Bord Bia database (when available).

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Page 9 of 9 f) All vehicles involved in delivering feeds onto the farm must be inspected prior to loading and, once loaded, a record copied to the consignee must be maintained of the following: i.
Date; ii.
Vehicle Operator / Owner; iii.
Vehicle / trailer registration / identification number and details of the last 3 deliveries; iv.
Vehicle cleanliness, and freedom from odours; v.
Material on board for delivery; vi.
Visual inspection of material delivered; vii.
Quantity; viii.
Certificate or other documentation accurately describing the material; ix.
Consignee
4

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All Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) certified Members (including feed compounders, mineral / vitamin supplement manufacturers, importers, other feed suppliers, Home Mixers) and Bord Bia farm enterprises certified under other Bord Bia Schemes are required to purchase all feed inputs obtained within
Ireland from Bord Bia certified FQAS suppliers.
Suppliers of compound feeds, feed ingredients (including by-products) and mineral / vitamin supplements therefore need to be registered with Bord Bia in order to be eligible to supply products to Bord Bia assured farms and home mixers.
The Bord Bia core standards for beef and lamb, dairy, eggs, pigs and poultry each contain specific criteria / requirements relating to the sourcing, handling and management of materials used to feed animals on the farms. This apples to forages (grass and grass based silage, hay etc.), crops grown for feeding animals
(including cereals, roots, pulses, etc.) as well as to manufactured feeds and other purchased feedstuffs. In all cases, the feedstuffs must be provided to the animals in a manner that ensures compliance with the feed legislation (safety and hygiene of the feed
1
) and compliance with these criteria / requirements in the core
Standards is assessed through audit. In addition, under all Schemes, each participating Member is required to complete a declaration of compliance with the relevant applicable legislation (which includes legislation relevant to feedstuffs).
The requirements of this section apply to Level 2 farmers that are using home mixing facilities (fixed or mobile mixers or diet feeders with mixing capability) where the following feed ingredients are being fed on the farm:
• Any feed ingredient categorised as high risk under the FQAS Appendix 8 Categorised Feeds;
• Any feed grade oils from Bord Bia FQAS certified suppliers;
• Any DAFM / EMEA approved animal remedy / medicine for use through the feed;
• Any DAFM / EU permitted additives or pre-mixes of these additives (see definition of this in 1
Introduction).
Where it is proposed to use feeds not listed in the Permitted Feeds list in Appendix 8: Risk Categorisation, an application must be made in advance of use of the ingredient to Bord Bia.
The requirements of Level 2 Home Mixer apply where feeds for both ruminants and non-ruminants are being mixed on the same farm (regardless of the ingredients in the feed). In addition, the following restrictions apply:
• The feeds supplied to the animals must not be restricted for that species (see Appendix 8
Categorised Feeds, Restricted Feeds) under the FQAS.
Where mixed feed is being sold to other farmers, the farm must be approved / registered by DAFM (under
Regulation (EC) 183/2005) for this activity. In such circumstances certification will be required as a
Manufacturer not as a Home Mixer (see FQAS Section 3).
5
1 Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of The European Parliament and of The Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene - See Annex I, Primary Production and Annex III Good Animal Feeding Practice

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Page 2 of 4 a) Each participant must sign a declaration stating that the requirements of the Bord Bia schemes will be observed for all feed mixed on the farm (Critical). b) All records relating to home mixing operations must be maintained for a minimum 3 year period (or longer if specified in the regulations). c) The farm must be registered with DAFM and Bord Bia as a home mixer. d) Prior approval from DAFM is required in the case of the use of medicines, additives or premixes of additives in home mixes. e) Copies of DAFM inspection documentation must be maintained. f) Only feed ingredients permitted under EU legislation (see Feed Catalogue, Appendix 1) and listed in Appendix 8 may be used (Critical). g) Any feed ingredients imported directly by the farmer (for use on his / her farm) from outside
Ireland must be categorised as low risk as set out in Appendix 8, Risk Categorisation and must be obtained from a supplier that is certified under an EN45011 or ISO 17065 accredited feed quality assurance scheme and evidence of this must be retained (Critical) .
Note: See also requirements as set out in the Scope statement above. h) Feed ingredients purchased within Ireland that were not sourced directly from the original farmer in Ireland must only be obtained from Bord Bia certified suppliers (Critical). i) Where the Participant requires to use a new material that is not currently on the low risk list, the
Participant must apply to Bord Bia for permission to use the new material and must not use the material until permission is received (Critical). j) A record of all feed ingredients purchased from each supplier must be maintained. k) Except for purchases directly from farms in Ireland, a statutory compositional declaration must be maintained for all raw materials purchased. l) There must be evidence that all wastes (including packaging, unusable feed materials) are controlled pending disposal. m) Where direct drying systems are in place, the drying equipment must be managed and operated in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 3 Drying.
n) Farms using heating systems to dry grain or feedstuffs on the farm may only use electrical heating systems or heating systems that use fuels that are listed in Appendix 3 Drying (Critical). o) Where crops are purchased from another farm where drying was conducted, a risk assessment of the drying system used must be documented on the purchase record. p) Farmers should ensure that crops purchased onto the farm have been grown, handled and stored in accordance with best agricultural practice.
5
Where veterinary medicines or EU permitted additives or pre-mixtures containing these additives are used in home mixing, the following additional controls apply. a) The farm must be licensed by DAFM for the direct incorporation of medicines (Critical). b) Where remedies / medicines are used in mixes, there must be controls in place (i.e. cleaning / flushing / separate storage) to prevent accidental contamination of feeds for non-target animals
(Critical) c) Only authorised remedies that carry a VPA, EU or other official approval number that were purchased from legally approved sources are permitted (Critical).

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Page 3 of 4 d) All medicines used must be recorded as per regulatory requirements for animal remedies records i.
A Veterinary prescription must be retained for 5 years for all medicines used; ii.
The medicine(s) must only be used in full compliance with the prescription; iii.
All medicines must be segregated in a locked area that is completely separate to areas where feedstuffs are stored iv.
Only nominated management personnel must have access to this locked area v.
A record of the incorporations of all medicines must be maintained (as per SI 786 2007). e) The Participant must have a Food Safety Management plan based on HACCP principles which shows how product / process safety is ensured through control and prevention of hazards
(Critical).
5
a) Feeds must be mixed in a manner that will minimise the potential for carryover of additives and medicines to non-target animals. b) The home mixer must have a nominated nutritional advisor. c) A record of the materials used in each mix type must be maintained. d) A record of the feeds mixed must be maintained: i.
The formula used; ii.
The animal species for which the feed is intended; iii.
Date of commencement of feeding this formula. e) A sample of the dry ingredients used in dry mixed feeds must be retained for 3 months. f) There must be a schedule for testing the composition of finished feeds and the test results must be maintained. The schedule must comply with the testing specified by DAFM and should be based on the Guidelines in Appendix 5. g) The test results must demonstrate that the formulation and mixing parameters are being met. h) There must be a documented procedure for effective control of non-conforming product (e.g. through reworking). i) Water used in the process or in cleaning must be obtained from a clean water source and this must be demonstrated by data obtained as specified in Appendix 5. j) Suitable mixing equipment must be available and maintained in a manner that ensures that mixing can be accurate and homogenous. k) For all incoming food and feed by-products, each consignment must be accompanied by a statutory declaration.
Background Information
Participants will be aware of the need to use pest control products in a responsible way. This involves minimising the impact on the environment and the exposure to non-target species through good practices and controls. Selection of the pest control products and placement of them has an important bearing on this. (See link in Appendix 1, Reference Information, Page 3 Responsible Use of Rodenticides) a) There must be a rodent and bird control plan for the ingredient storage and mixing areas with baiting maps and record of replenishment of the baits. b) Baits must only be placed outside feed storage areas to prevent inadvertent contamination of feed materials.

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Page 4 of 4 c) A rodent baiting programme must reflect the label instructions for the rodenticide selected and include the following: i.
A plan identifying the location of all bait points; ii.
Measures to ensure bait is not exposed to non-target species and does not contaminate feed or water; iii.
Records of regular inspections and replenishment of bait points; iv.
Records demonstrating that the rodenticides used each had a valid Pesticide Control Service
(PCS) number; v.
Routine collection of dead rodents and safe disposal as per product label instructions. d) Structural, operational and environmental hygiene controls must be in place to prevent insect infestation (including weevils, mites, flies, cockroaches) with the application of physical or chemical treatments as required. e) All animals must be excluded from the storage and production areas. f) Measures must be in place to prevent contamination of handling or mixing facilities by animal effluents, manures and litter. g) Hand-washing facilities must be provided that are accessible from the in the feed mill / mixing area and that are separate from the toilet facilities. h) Machinery / equipment that comes into contact with effluent / manure / dead animals / placentae etc must not be used to handle feedstuffs unless cleaned effectively prior to handling feed. i) There must be a site map in place that identifies all the internal and external areas especially those where feed materials could be compromised (e.g. by cross-contamination, excess moisture, other contamination) and there must be a cleaning schedule in place for all these areas. j) A schedule (minimum annual) for the cleaning of storage facilities (e.g. bins / bays / areas) and mixing facilities complying at a minimum with Appendix 7 must be in place and records demonstrating that the effective cleaning was undertaken must be maintained. k) The cleaning schedule must also address the external areas including roofs, gutters, drains and aprons.
5
a) All Producers must have participated in a Bord Bia FQAS Training programme. b) Documented training must be provided for all staff in the following areas: i.
Food Safety Management based on HACCP; ii.
Hygiene; iii.
Health and Safety (Including First Aid); iv.
Feed Production Process.
a) Personnel handing feedstuffs must ensure that there is no cross-contamination of feed by vehicles
(transport, loading other equipment).

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All Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) certified Members (including feed compounders, mineral / vitamin supplement manufacturers, importers, other feed suppliers, Home Mixers) and Bord Bia farm enterprises certified under other Bord Bia Schemes are required to purchase all feed inputs obtained within
Ireland from Bord Bia certified FQAS suppliers.
Suppliers of compound feeds, feed ingredients (including by-products) and mineral / vitamin supplements therefore need to be FQAS certified by Bord Bia in order to be eligible to supply products to Bord Bia assured farms and home mixers.
The Bord Bia core standards for beef and lamb, dairy, eggs, pigs and poultry each contain specific criteria / requirements relating to the sourcing, handling and management of materials used to feed animals on the farms. This apples to forages (grass and grass based silage, hay etc.), crops grown for feeding animals
(including cereals, roots, pulses, etc.) as well as to manufactured feeds and other purchased feedstuffs. In all cases, the feedstuffs must be provided to the animals in a manner that ensures compliance with the feed legislation (safety and hygiene of the feed
1
) and compliance with these criteria / requirements in the core
Standards is assessed through audit. In addition, under all Schemes, each participating Member is required to complete a declaration of compliance with the relevant applicable legislation (which includes legislation relevant to feedstuffs).
The requirements of this section apply to those farmers that are using home mixing facilities (fixed or mobile mixers or diet feeders with mixing capability). Farmers are classified as follows:
Level 1 Home Mixer is any farm where home mixing is taking place but where only products categorised as low risk under the FQAS are being fed on the farm (see Appendix 8 Categorised Feeds). In addition, Level 1
Home Mixers must meet the following conditions:
• Crops used are produced directly from farms in Ireland (note requirements on direct flame drying see 6.1.h and 6.1.j);
• The home mixed feeds are only being fed to ruminants or to non-ruminants, but not to both.
• None of the ingredients in the feeds supplied to the animals are restricted for that species (as per
Appendix 8 Categorised Feeds).
Farmers not meeting this classification are defined as Level 2 Home Mixer (see FQAS Section 5).
Where it is proposed to use feeds not listed in the Permitted Feeds list in Appendix 8: Risk Categorisation, an application must be made in advance of use of the ingredient to Bord Bia.
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1 Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of The European Parliament And of The Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene - See Annex 1, Primary Production and Annex III Good Animal Feeding Practice

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Page 2 of 3 a) All records relating to home mixing operations must be maintained for a minimum 3 year period (or longer if specified in the regulations).
b) The farm must be FQAS certified by Bord Bia as a home mixer. c) Compound feeds, feed materials and mineral / vitamin supplements obtained within Ireland must be supplied by Bord Bia certified suppliers (Critical). d) Any feed / feed ingredients imported directly onto the farm by the farmer from outside Ireland must be categorised as low risk as set out in Appendix 8, Risk Categorisation and must be obtained from a supplier that is certified under an EN45011 or ISO17065 accredited feed quality assurance scheme and evidence of this must be retained (Critical).
Note: See also requirements as set out in the Scope statement above. e) Where the Participant requires to use a new material that is not currently on the low risk list, the
Participant must apply to Bord Bia for permission to use the new material and must not use the material until permission is received (Critical). f) A record of all feed ingredients purchased from each supplier must be maintained. Where the purchased material is already mixed, the ingredients must be identified in accordance with the labelling regulations. g) Except for purchases directly from farms in Ireland, a statutory compositional declaration must be maintained for all raw materials purchased.
h) Where direct drying systems are in place, the drying equipment must be managed and operated in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 3 Drying. i) Farms using heating systems to dry grain or feedstuffs on the farm may only use electrical heating systems or heating systems that use fuels that are listed in Appendix 3 Drying (Critical) j) Where crops are purchased from another farm where drying was conducted, a risk assessment of the drying system used must be documented on the purchase record. k) Farmers should ensure that crops purchased onto the farm have been grown, handled and stored in accordance with best agricultural practice.
6
a) The home mixer must have a nominated nutritional advisor. b) A record of the materials used in each mix type must be maintained. c) A record must be maintained that shows what mixes are being fed to each animal group on the farm at all times (this can be done on a batch basis). d) There must be a record that cleaning was carried out at least annually on all areas and facilities that are used for the storage or mixing of feeds. e) A cleaning schedule complying with Appendix 7 at a minimum must be documented.

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Background Information
Participants will be aware of the need to use pest control products in a responsible way. This involves minimising the impact on the environment and the exposure to non-target species through good practices and controls. Selection of the pest control products and placement of them has an important bearing on this. (See link in Appendix 1, Reference Information, Page 3 Responsible Use of Rodenticides) a) There must be an effective rodent and bird control plan for the facilities / areas where feeds are stored or mixed. b) Where baits are used, instructions on the labels must be carefully followed and the following requirements apply: i.
There must be a baiting plan/sketch, identifying the location of bait points and a record of inspection and replenishment of the baits as required; ii.
Baits must only be placed outside feed storage areas to prevent inadvertent contamination of feed materials and baits must be placed to reduce the possibility of exposure to nontarget species; iii.
Records demonstrating that the rodenticides used each had a valid PCS number; iv.
Dead rodents must be disposed of safely as per product label instructions. c) Measures must be in place to minimise insect infestation (including weevils, mites, flies, cockroaches). d) Where chemicals are used for rodent, bird or other pest treatment, the chemicals must be stored so as to prevent contamination of feed materials and their use must be recorded. e) There must be a site map in place that identifies all the internal and external areas where feed materials are stored especially those where feed materials could be compromised (e.g. by crosscontamination, excess moisture, other contamination).
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a) Personnel handling feedstuffs must ensure that cross-contamination of feed is minimised by vehicles
(transport, loading, or other equipment).

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Appendix 1
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Note: This is a list of the main Irish and EU legislation relating to feed production. It is not intended as a definitive list of all relevant legislation and does not replace any applicable statutory requirement. It is the duty of producers to keep fully up to date with all legislation and legislation changes relevant to the sector.
Relevant Standards, Legislation, Codes of Practice (where relevant requirements have been incorporated into the Standard). All references are to be taken on an as amended basis.
• S.I. 364 of 1991: Diseases of Animals (Poultry Feed) Order 1991.
• S.I. 176 of 1994: European Communities (Animal Remedies and Medicated Feedingstuffs Regulations
1994).
• S.I. 507 of 1998; Control of Animal Remedies and their Residues Regulations, 1998.
• S.I. 597 of 2001: Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 (Prohibition on the Use of Swill) Order, 2001.
• S.I. 378 of 2006: European Communities (Good Agriculture Practice for the Protection of Water)
Regulations 2006.
• S.I. 786 of 2007: European Communities (Animal Remedies) (No. 2) Regulations 2007
• S.I. 252 of 2008: European Communities (TSE and ABP) Regulations 2008.
• S.I. 253 of 2008: Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) (Fertilisers
& Soil Improvers) Order 2008.
• S.I. 432 of 2009: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 122 of 2014: European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014.
Note: For further information on Irish and EU legislation, please contact the Department of Agriculture,
Food and the Marine.
• Regulation (EC) 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law.
• Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.
• Commission Recommendation (EC) 583/2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal product.
• Regulation (EU) 242/2010 creating the Catalogue of feed materials.
• Commission Regulation (EU) 16/2011 of 10 January 2011 laying down implementing measures for the
Rapid alert system for food and feed.
• Commission Regulation (EU) 68/2013 of 16 January 2013 on the Catalogue of feed materials
.
• Regulation (EC) 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene.

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• Commission Regulation (EU) 225/2012 of 15 March 2012 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No
183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the approval of establishments placing on the market, for feed use, products derived from vegetable oils and blended fats and as regards the specific requirements for production, storage, transport and dioxin testing of oils, fats and products derived thereof.
• S.I. 432 of 2009: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 312 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) Regulations, 2010.
• S.I. 488 of 2010 European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2010.
• S.I. 587 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations
2010.
• S.I. 164 of 2012: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.
• S.I. 362 of 2012: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations
2012.
• Regulation (EC) 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules.
• Commission Regulation (EC) 669/2009 of 24 July 2009 implementing Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the
European Parliament and of the Council as regards the increased level of official controls on imports of certain feed and food of non-animal origin and amending Decision 2006/504/EC.
• Commission Regulation (EC) 1135/2009 of 25 November 2009 imposing special conditions governing the import of certain products originating in or consigned from China, and repealing Commission Decision
(EC) 798/2008.
• S.I. 432 of 2009: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 312 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (amendment) Regulations 2010.
• S.I. 488 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations
2010.
• Regulation (EC) 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed amending European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 and repealing Council Directive 79/373/EEC, Commission Directive 80/511/EEC, Council Directives
82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Commission Decision 2004/217/EC.
• S.I. 432 of 2009: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 488 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations
2010.
• S.I. 587 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations
2010.
•
Commission Regulation (EURATOM) 90/770/EEC of 29 March 1990 laying down maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of feedingstuffs following a nuclear accident or any other case of radiological emergency.
7

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• Directive (EC) 32/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 May 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed.
• Regulation (EC) 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending
Council Directive 91/414/EEC.
• Commission Recommendation (EC) 576/2006 on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 and fumonisins in products intended for animal feeding Commission.
• Commission Recommendation of 17 August 2006 on the prevention and reduction of Fusarium toxins in cereals and cereal product.
• Recommendation (EU) 516/2011 of 23 August 2011 on the reduction of the presence of dioxins, furans and PCBs in feed and food.
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 961/2011 of 27 September 2011 imposing special conditions governing the import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station and repealing Regulation (EU) 297/2011.
• S.I. 565 of 2008: European Communities (Pesticide Residues) Regulations, 2008.
• S.I. 432 of 2009: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 488 of 2010: European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations
2010.
• S.I. 302 of 2011: European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Amendment) Regulations, 2011.
• S.I. 212 of 2012: European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012.
• S.I. 497 of 2012: European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations, 2012.
• Directive (EC) 99/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents, amending Council Decision 90/424/EEC and repealing
Council Directive 92/117/EEC
• Regulation (EC) 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents
• S.I. 364 of 1991: Diseases of Animals (Poultry Feed) Order 1991
.
7
• Regulation (EC) 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform Encephalopathies.
• Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation).
• S.I. 257 of 1994: European Communities (Disposal, Processing and Placing on the Market of Animal Byproducts) Regulations, 1994.
• S.I. 77 of 2001: European Communities (Disposal, Processing and Placing on the Market of Animal Byproducts) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001.
• S.I. 597 of 2001: Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 (Prohibition on the Use of Swill) Order, 2001.
• S.I. 252 of 2008: European Communities (TSE and ABP) Regulations 2008.

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• S.I. 253 of 2008: Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) (Fertilisers
& Soil Improvers) Order 2008.
• S.I. 12 of 2009: Diseases of animals Act 1996 (Prohibition on the use of swill) Order, 2009.
• S.I. 291 of 2009: European Communities (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Animal By-
Products) (amendment) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 345 of 2009: European Communities (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Animal By-
Products) (amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2009.
• S.I. 150 of 2011: European Communities (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Animal By-
Products) (amendment) Regulations 2011.
• Council Directive 90/167/EEC of 26 March 1990 laying down the conditions governing the preparation, placing on the market and use of medicated feedingstuffs in the Community.
• S.I. 176 of 1994: European Communities (Animal remedies and medicated Feedingstuffs) Regulations
1994.
• S.I. 365 of 2003: European Communities (Animal Remedies and Medicated Feedingstuffs) (Amendment)
Regulations, 2003.
• S.I. 262 of 2012: European Communities (Animal Remedies) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.
• S.I. 263 of 2012: European Communities (Control of Animal Remedies and and their Residues)
(Amendment) Regulations 2012.
• Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 on additives in use in animal nutrition.
• S.I. 242 of 2005: European Communities (Feed Additives in Feedingstuffs) Regulations 2005.
• Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 of genetically modified food and feed.
• Regulation (EC) 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive (EC) 18/2001.
• Commission Regulation (EU) 619/2011 of 24 June 2011 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed as regards presence of genetically modified material for which an authorisation procedure is pending or the authorisation of which has expired.
• S.I. 424 of 2004: European Communities (Feedingstuffs) (Genetically Modified Feed) Regulations 2004.
• Commission Regulation (EC) 152/2009 of 27 January 2009 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed.
7

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 1
Page 5 of 6
• Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.
• S.I. 218 of 2010: European Communities (Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs) Regulations 2010.
• ISO 17025:2005, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
• I.S. EN ISO 22000:2005, Food safety management systems – requirements for any organisation in the food chain.
• ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – Requirements.
• ISO 17065: 2012, General Criteria for Certification Bodies Operating Product Certification.
• Residues of animal remedies in food.
• Mycotoxins in Food.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2005.
• Health Protection Surveillance Centre: Food Borne Disease: A Focus On The Infected Food Handler
(2004). (See website: www.hpsc.ie)
• Code of Practice for the Control of Salmonella during the Production, Storage and Transport of
Compound Feeds, Premixtures, Feed Materials and Feed Additives (DEFRA).
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point): the principles of HACCP are defined in Codex Alimentarius
Commission Code of Practice – General Principles of Food Hygiene. CAC/RCP 1 1969, Rev. 4 – 2003
(www.codexalimentarius.net).
• Responsible use of rodenticides CRRU Code – see http://www.thinkwildlife.org/crru-code/
• Irish Legislation documents (referenced as S.I. xxx) are available from the Government Publications Sales
Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 or Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or from the Irish Statute Book website: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/
• Other Irish Standards (documents referenced as I.S. xxx) are available from the National Standards
Authority of Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. Further information is available on the website: www.nsai.ie
• Documents from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are available from FSAI, Abbey Court, Lower Abbey
Street, Dublin 1. Some of the documents are available through their website: www.fsai.ie
• EC Regulations and Council Decisions can be accessed through the website: http://eurlex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
• Teagasc documents are available from Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15 through the website: www.teagasc.ie
7

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: www.agriculture.gov.ie
o
For the feedingstuffs section: www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/feedingstuffs/
• Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.ie
• Food Safety Authority of Ireland: www.fsai.ie
• Health and Safety Authority: www.hsa.ie
• Irish legislation – Irish Statute Book: www.irishstatutebook.ie
• Teagasc: www.teagasc.ie
• The Fertiliser Association of Ireland: www.fertilizer-assoc.ie
• Feed Materials register in EU: www.feedmaterialsregister.eu
• Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform: http://www.saiplatform.org/
Appendix 1
Page 6 of 6
7

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 2
Page 1 of 1
7
The following is a list of the manufacturing / processing conditions that are specific to each of the Bord Bia
Quality Assurance Schemes. All participants in the FQAS must comply in full with these conditions as relevant.
Scheme
Egg Quality Assurance
Scheme
Beef and Lamb Quality
Assurance Scheme and
Sustainable Dairy Assurance
Scheme
Pig Quality Assurance
Scheme
Poultry Products Quality
Assurance Scheme
Specific Requirement
Producers and Rearers:
All feed must be heat treated to 80 o C for a 4 minute period or heat treated according to an equivalent Bord Bia approved process.
All remedies must only be used at therapeutic level.
Rearers:
Anti-microbial substances administered through feed must only be used where deemed necessary by the veterinarian; administration must occur under veterinary control.
Bovine and ovine feeds must be manufactured without the incorporation of tallow.
Only animal proteins derived from milk, egg and non-ruminant gelatine may be used in bovine or ovine feeds.
The use of all medicinal feed additives, including antibiotic growth promoters and digestive enhancers for non-therapeutic purposes is prohibited.
The use of all medicinal feed additives, including antibiotic growth promoters and digestive enhancers for non-therapeutic purposes is prohibited.
With the exception of milk and egg protein products, the use of all other animal proteins is prohibited.
Fishmeal and blood based products can be used provided there is clear evidence that the Producer has a current licence / approval from DAFM for its use.
All feed must be heat treated to 80 o C for a 4 minute period or heat treated according to an equivalent Bord Bia approved process
Anti-microbial substances administered through feed / water must only be used where deemed necessary by the veterinarian; administration must occur under veterinary control.

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Appendix 3
Page 1 of 1
7
Where direct drying grain or other feed materials, both Feed Business Operators and farmers will be aware of the need to conform with the DAFM requirements i.e. the fuel type used to generate the heat for drying is appropriate and, as a consequence, only the defined fuels may be used and these fuels permitted are listed below.
Where other heat treatment systems are used (conditioning, toasting, micronising or other such treatments) that use direct heating, the system must be operated and maintained as defined below (Refer to 3.26.g).
Data must be maintained for each burner used in the drying of feed ingredients or feed materials specifying the following:
• Manufacturer;
• Model;
• Serial Number;
• Date of manufacture;
• Fuels Suitable for use in the burner;
• Emissions in terms of CO and other particulate matter;
Each such heat treatment system / burner must be serviced annually by a recognised service technician. For each service, the following data must be recorded:
• Date of service;
• Name of Service Company;
• Name of Service Technician;
• Emissions measured;
• Measurement method;
• Adjustments to the burner;
2.
3.
4.
• Assessment of the burner.
Burners may only be operated using the following fuels (fuel grade in parentheses) or else with written permission from DAFM:
1.
Gas (Natural, LPG) (B.S. 4250);
Marked Diesel (IS 251 / EN 590: 2004);
Gas Oil (IS 251 or BS 2869 Class A2, D);
Kerosene (BS 2869 Class C1, C2 )

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 4
Page 1 of 1
7
EU feed hygiene legislation (EC) 183 of 2005 requires that feeds be transported in suitable clean containers and in such a way as to avoid cross contamination and deterioration and minimise spoilage.
The following materials are excluded for transportation at all times by hauliers approved in accordance with
FQAS requirements to transport feedstuffs:
• Livestock including poultry and their carcasses.
• Animal & poultry wastes.
• Manures, litter and composts.
• Mammalian protein, including any feed containing these materials e.g. (a) mammalian protein (including greaves), other than processed animal protein derived from the whole or part of any dead mammal by the process of rendering; or (b) any material derived from mammalian protein, and for this purpose
“protein” means any proteinaceous material which is derived from a carcass but does not include milk or other milk products.
• Processed animal protein, e.g. meat and bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, blood meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, and any other similar products, and includes mixtures, feedingstuffs, feed additives and premixes containing these products
• Untreated waste from eating places, except foodstuffs of vegetable origin considered unsuitable for human consumption for reasons of freshness.
• Cereal & other seeds treated with toxic dressing.
• Hide treated with tanning substances, including its waste.
• Scrap metal, including fragmented metal, rubber and used tyres
Note: Many products now are of a recycled nature (e.g. recycled aggregates which can contain bitumen, scrap metal and glass) so ensure that a product data sheet is obtained prior to acceptance of a consignment.
• Solid urban waste, such as household waste, including products processed from this material.
• All wastes obtained from the various phases of the urban, domestic and industrial waste water treatment process, irrespective of any further processing of these wastes and also irrespective of the origin of the waste waters.
• Bituminous products, e.g. tar chips, tarmac planings and some recycled aggregates (refer to Bord Bia for advice on the detail of this exclusion).
• Other products not responsive to normal detergent cleaning.
• Asbestos or materials containing asbestos.
• Mineral clays which have been used for detoxification purposes.
• Glass (including cullet) and products thereof.
• Pharmaceutical waste.
• Toxic & corrosive materials and any packaging used for these materials or any materials (e.g. timber) treated with these products.
• Radioactive materials.

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 5
Page 1 of 3
7
The sampling and testing programme should cover all parameters specified below. It should meet regulatory requirements and should include the key tests as identified in the HACCP plan (where relevant).
• Pathogen testing (e.g. salmonella), where required in the regulations, must only be carried out in a
DAFM approved laboratory. All other tests should be performed at a laboratory that is accredited to ISO
17025 for that test.
• For samples other than water and dust, the programme should include all materials, in process materials and finished products. The programme should specify which materials / products will be sampled and at what frequency.
• For water, the programme should include all possible water sources used in the facility.
• For dust, see below.
• There should be a procedure for the taking of samples. The results of the analyses should be retained for at least three years.
The frequency of sampling of the following should be based on annual volume and risk (i.e. possibility of recontamination, new source or new supplier, history, seasonal effect, recent incidents) as proposed in
Table 1 and Table 2 below. Other frequencies can be adopted based on a risk assessment.
• Escherichia coli and Enterococci (Quarterly / Monthly)
• Salmonella Typhimurium and Enteriditis (Quarterly / Monthly) o
Feed Samples (Composited samples taken from deliveries at point of dispatch) o
Environmental dust sample
• Listeria (Monthly) o
Feed Samples (Composited samples taken from deliveries at point of dispatch)
• Undesirable Substances (annual or more frequently based on volume and risk) o
Mycotoxins
 Aflatoxin B
 Zearalenone
 Ochratoxin A
 Deoxynivalenol (DON)
 Others as per risk assessment
• Heavy metals (Quarterly)
• Pesticide residues (Quarterly)
• Dioxins and / or PCB (Annual or based on a specific risk)

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 5
Page 2 of 3
A dust sampling programme should ideally be in place that defines which areas / locations / equipment / systems in the facility will be sampled and at what frequency.
Dust samples should be taken from the following areas where present in the facility:
• Intake pit for feed materials – ideally sample dust escaping from the elevator that removes feed materials from the pit. If this is not accessible sample accumulated dust from multiple areas within the pit area;
• Ingredient sieve, or aggregate samples of dust from within ingredient bins;
• Filter aspirating the production line – this may only be accessible during stoppage of production, or may not be suitable in small mills or those which discharge directly to the exterior of the mill. Sample accumulated dust in the aspiration system or its collection bins;
• Pellet or meal cooler – collect dust emanating from the coolers. If this is positive follow-up by sampling aggregate at the entry point for pellets or meal inside the cooler;
• Pellet shakers and crumblers – take dust escaping from machines;
• Dust within finished product bins or when not present or collectable accumulating below or on out loading gantries. In smaller mills, dust from bagging plants;
• Dust from internal surfaces in the facility;
This table sets out the sampling guidelines under each parameter at the various levels in the FQAS
Level
E. coli (Feeds)
Enterococci (Feeds)
Water potability
S . Typhimurium
S . Enteriditis
Listeria
Aflatoxin B1
Zearalenone
Ochratoxin A
Other Mycotoxins
Heavy Metals
Dioxin
PCB
Manufacturer
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Other Feed Supplier
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Oils
No
Home Mixer High
Risk
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Beef & Dairy
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Home Mixer Low
Risk
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Note: For retailers selling only packaged feed, sampling is not required
7

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 5
Page 3 of 3
Guideline frequency of sampling
Level
E. coli (Feeds)
Enterococci (Feeds)
Water potability
S.
Typhimurium
S . Enteriditis
Listeria
Aflatoxin B1
Zearalenone
Ochratoxin A
Others Mycotoxins
Heavy Metals
Dioxin
PCB
Manufacturer
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly *
Quarterly
Other Feed Supplier
Quarterly
Quarterly
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual (Oils)
Annual *
Home Mixer Level
2
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual *
Home Mixer Level
1
* = Every batch of feed oil if not already accompanied by a certificate of analysis – Ref: Commission Regulation (EU)
No 225/2012 of 15 March 2012 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 183/2005.
7

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 6
Page 1 of 2
7
The Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Standard requires that sampling and testing be carried out. Ideally, all sampling and testing will be carried out by an independent qualified person.
All sampling should be conducted as per a sampling plan. Where sampling is conducted internally, the following procedures should be used.
Sample type: Composite dust sample, 25 grams.
Procedure:
• Wash and dry hands prior to sampling.
• Fill in details of the sample to be taken according to the sampling plan on a clear label on a sufficient number of sealed sterile sample bags.
• Change into protective clothing (disposable) i.e. coat, boots, headgear, before entering the facility.
• Immediately prior to taking each sample, put on new sterile disposable gloves.
• Open the sealed sterile bag and collect the sample by gloved hand, place it in the bag and seal the bag immediately.
• Continue until all samples are taken ensuring that there no cross contamination of one sample by the preceding sample(s).
• When sampling is completed put all labelled sample bags into a large plastic self-sealing bag. Attach a label along the sealed edge and staple in 2 – 3 locations ensuring that sealed portion of the outer sample bag is not punctured.
• Sign and date this label, so that subsequent tampering is self-evident.
• Dispose of all sets of gloves in an appropriate manner.
• Store safely in tamperproof packaging and dispatch to an approved laboratory on the day of collection in a manner that ensures the integrity of the sample.

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
1
Appendix 6
Page 2 of 2
Purpose : to monitor E. coli and Enterococci levels in the water used in the facility.
Use a sterile glass or polypropylene bottle with tamper evident sealing. If Chlorine treatment is used on the water supply add a neutraliser to the bottle e.g. sodium azide.
Sample type: composite water sample, 200 ml
Procedure:
• Wash and dry hands prior to sampling.
• Fill in details of the sample to be taken according to the sampling plan on a clear label on a sufficient number of closed sterile sample bottles.
• Change into protective clothing (disposable) i.e. coat, boots, headgear, before entering the facility.
• Remove any oil or grease from the surface of the sampling point / tap.
• Disconnect any hose / removable fitting and run the water to waste for 10 – 15 seconds.
• Sterilise the exterior of the sampling point (tap) with a suitable flame (ensure that this is done in a safe manner and on the advice of a competent person).
• Run the water to waste again for 10 - 15 seconds to cool the sampling point.
• Open the sealed sterile bottle while holding the cap of the bottle (putting it down at any point will contaminate it).
• Allow water to fill the sampling bottle. Seal it immediately.
• Continue until all samples are taken.
• When sampling is completed put all labelled sample bottles into a large plastic self-sealing bag. Attach a label along the sealed edge and staple in 2 – 3 locations ensuring that sealed portion of the outer sample bag is not punctured.
• Sign and date this label, so that subsequent tampering is self-evident.
• Dispose of all sets of gloves in an appropriate manner.
• Store safely in tamperproof packaging in a refrigerated place and dispatch to an approved laboratory on the day of collection in a manner that ensures the integrity of the sample.
The requirements are contained in (EC) 152/2009 for official sampling. This should be followed for feed sampling where relevant .
7
1 The sampling should be done independently (e.g. by a laboratory technician) and the analysis carried out by a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 for testing against these specific organisms using the following methods: E. coli (ISO method 9308-1) absence in 100ml, Enterococci (ISO method 7899-2) absence in 100ml, or equivalent validated methods.

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 7
Page 1 of 1
7
Name:
Address:
Responsible Person:
Date
Signature
*Only DAFM approved biocides (i.e. with a PCS number or equivalent) are permitted and must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Appendix 8
Page 1 of 5
7
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Notes
Please note that the list of permitted feeds / processes is as per the EU Feed Catalogue (Regulation (EU) 575/2011 as amended) which contains a non-exhaustive list of feed materials / processes permitted in the EU. The EU list must be interpreted by an animal nutrition expert for use in animal nutrition and by an expert on legislation who can advise which of these materials are permitted under Irish law by species.
The list of feeds / processes below was established through surveys of the feeds / processes in use on farms. A sub-committee of the FQAS TAC then reviewed each feed and assigned its risk level. This list is subject to review and amendment by the TAC in future revisions of the Standard.
Where a feed / process is intended to be used under the FQAS that is not on the list below, an application must be made to Bord Bia for permission to use it in feeds intended for Bord Bia certified farms. This application must be made prior to use in the product.
Cat
Part
Risk
Classification
Cat
No.
Description Category Product
4
5
Tubers, roots, and products derived thereof
Other seeds and fruits, and products derived thereof
13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
**HIGH RISK FEED MATERIALS**
Food By-product Potato feed puree
Food By-product Apple pomace
Food By-product Bread (Wrapping removed)
Food By-product Potato crisps
Food By-product Residue / waste from fruit and vegetable processing
13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
Food By-product Bakery
Food By-product Potato Chips (wet uncooked)
High
High
High
High
High
High
High

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Cat
Part
Cat
No.
Description Category Product
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Cereal Grains and Products Derived Thereof
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
**LOW RISK FEED MATERIALS / PROCESSES**
Food By-product Brewers / Distillers grains
Food By-product Corn steep liquor
Feed Crop
Feed Crop
Cotton seed meal
Dried Grass pellets
Feed Crop
Feed Crop
Feed Energy
Feed Energy
Field Beans
Lupin meal
Maize Germ
Maize gluten
Feed Energy
Feed Energy
Maize gluten feed
Maize meal
Food By-product Maize Starch
Feed Proteins Malt culms
Feed Energy
Feed Crop
Oat Hulls
Peas
Feed Energy Pollard
Food By-product Pot ale syrup
Food By-product Wet distillers
Feed Energy Wheat Feed
Feed Crop
Feed Energy
Whole rape seed
Rape seed extracted
Feed Energy
Feed Proteins
Feed Energy
Feed Proteins
Rape seed pressed
Soya bean meal
Soya hulls
Soya pass
Appendix 8
Page 2 of 5
7
Risk
Classification
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low

C
C
C
B
B
B
Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Cat
Part
C
C
C
C
C
C
8
8
8
8
7
7
6
6
Cat
No.
2
4
5
4
4
Description
Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof
Tubers, roots, and products derived thereof
Tubers, roots, and products derived thereof
Tubers Roots and Products Derived Thereof
Other Seeds Fruits and Products Derived Thereof
Forages and roughage, and products derived thereof
Forages and roughage, and products derived thereof
Other plants, algae and products derived thereof
Other plants, algae and products derived thereof
Milk products and products derived thereof
Milk products and products derived thereof
Milk products and products derived thereof
Milk products and products derived thereof
11 Minerals and products derived thereof
11 Minerals and products derived thereof
11 Minerals and products derived thereof
11 Minerals and products derived thereof
12
Fermentation (by-)products from microorganisms the cells of which have been inactivated or killed
C 13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
13 Miscellaneous
Process (40)
Process (40)
Process (40)
Category Product
Feed Proteins Sunflower cake
Food Crop Potatoes
Food By-product Sugar Beet Molasses
Feed Crop
Feed Energy
Sugar beet pulp
Citrus pulp
Feed Proteins
Feed Crop
Feed Energy
Feed Energy
Linseed extract
Lucerne pellets
Cane Sugar Molasses
Dried seaweed
Feed Proteins Dry milk powder
Food By-product Lactose (wet and dry)
Food By-product Whey
Food By-product Yogurt
Feed minerals
Feed minerals
Feed minerals
Feed minerals
Acid buffer (AcidBuf)
Calcined magnesite
Limestone flour
Sodium bicarbonate
Food By-product Yeasts
Food By-product Soft drinks
Food By-product Biscuit blend
Food By-product Biscuit meal
Food By-product Confectionery (chocolates, bars, etc.)
Feed Processing Acid Treating,
Feed Processing Alkaline / Urea treatment,
Feed Processing Caustic treatment
Appendix 8
Page 3 of 5
7
Risk
Classification
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
Cat
Part
B
B
B
B
Cat
No.
Description
Process (55)
Process (55)
Process (56)
Process (56)
Category Product
Feed Processing Crimping,
Feed Processing Dry rolling,
Feed Energy Protected fats (Megalac)
Feed Proteins Protected protein (Optigen)
Appendix 8
Page 4 of 5
7
Risk
Classification
Low
Low
Low
Low

Feed Quality Assurance Scheme
Revision 01, January 2016
The following specific feeds are prohibited in the Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Scheme.
Regulation EC/767/2009 Annex III lists materials that are prohibited in feeds.
Description
Specified Animal By-products
Pet foods
Catering and Household Waste
Swill
Comment
See Bord Bia specific scheme requirements as defined in S.I. 597 of 2001 (see Appendix 1: Reference Information)
FQAS Participants must understand the restrictions placed on farmers as set out in Appendix 2.
Product
Tallow
Fishmeal
Description
Feed grade oil
Dried fish
Allowed for
Non-Ruminants
Pigs
Comments
Prohibited in Bord Bia BLQAS
Only under current documented DAFM licence
Appendix 8
Page 5 of 5
7

Bord Bia, Clanwilliam Court, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 668 5155 Fax: 01 668 7521 Web: www.bordbia.ie