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Quality control plays a pivotal role in the production of safe livestock feed. In this regard, Voermol Feeds adheres to strict guidelines to meet all safety standards.
Quality assurance in their livestock feed supply chain starts with the procurement of high-quality, registered raw materials from established local and international suppliers, and concludes with the marketing of the final product to the customer.
Therefore, a programme adhering to good manufacturing practices includes the raw materials, manufacturing process, and analysis of the final product.
Quality control process
Feeds are scientifically formulated to promote livestock production. During manufacturing, an operating system is used to carefully monitor the nutrients at critical stages in the mixing process.
In addition, each batch receives the seal of approval from the laboratory. While feeds are being manufactured, the laboratory analyses essential nutrients, repeating the process once the product is packaged and before it is marketed.
The quality control process is built into every step of the animal feed manufacturing process – the process can only advance to the next step if the product passed the stringent quality test of the previous step.
The finished product is analysed to confirm whether the feed contains all the required nutrients as per the formula’s specifications and as registered in terms of the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947). Only then is the product cleared for packing and distribution.
Information on packaging
The feed product is packed in the approved packaging material featuring the required product information and instructions for use. This step is necessary to ensure the product is utilised and stored correctly.
Packaging information includes the following:
- Product specifications.
- Product registration number.
- Directions for use and warnings as prescribed by the Registrar of Feeds (e.g. the NPN content or the addition of any livestock medicine).
Guidelines must state the inclusion levels of medication, such as ionophores, or other additives in the livestock feed. A product containing such ingredients may only be registered as a feed if the ingredients are approved by the relevant authorities. Additional information – such as improvement of rumen function,
feed efficiency and production performance – should also be included.
Quality audit programmes
Producing safe livestock feed requires strict adherence to the quality control process. Voermol Feeds is committed to following this process and therefore utilises numerous quality audit programmes, such as the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association’s (AFMA) code of conduct.
Voermol Feeds subscribes to these standards, therefore we can guarantee that our quality control systems are of the highest standard. All laboratory equipment is properly maintained, and the accuracy of analyses monitored. Our customers can rest assured that our products are not only safe, but also of the highest quality.
