The GMP+ Certification Scheme for the Animal Feed Sector 2006 was adopted on 7 June 2005. This version replaces the version from 2003 and has been subject to a major review.
This was necessary for the following reasons:
- The previous GMP+ standards were based on ISO-9000:1994 and in 2000 a new ISO-9001 standard was published.
- The previous GMP+ regulation was no longer very accessible due to the multiplicity of added standards, regulations and norms
- The GMP+ regulation was being used more and more by foreign companies and national aspects sometimes caused problems.
- The adoption of Regulation (EC) no. 183/2005 of the European Parliament and the Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene containing criteria for HACCP and guidelines for good practice.
Layout
The complete certification scheme consists of 3 groups of documents (see ‘Contents of the GMP+ Certification Scheme for the Animal Feed Sector 2006’) namely:
A series
These documents contain the requirements for participation in the certification scheme (certification procedure, use of logos, sanctions, etc.). This series also includes the general list of definitions and abbreviations.
B series
This series contains the actual standards. The most important standard (B.1) provides the requirements for guaranteeing animal feed production and products. In addition, separate standards have been drawn up for a number of special activities.
This B series also includes a number of appendices to the various GMP+ standards. There are references to these appendices from within the standards. These appendices contain supplementary, specific requirements relating to certain sections of the standard such as product norms, management statement, requirements for identification and traceability, carry-over and purchasing.
C series
These documents contain requirements and conditions with respect to supervision, certification and sanctions.