FAMI-QS — safety of feed additives and premixtures
FAMI-QS is the quality and safety code for makers of specialty feed ingredients: feed additives and premixtures. It applies to producers of these components, not to poultry farming itself. We explain who needs it, what it covers and how to get it.
verifiedDel equipo que lleva años organizando el trabajo en granjas avícolas.
FAMI-QS is an international code (a Quality and Feed Safety Management System) for producers of specialty feed ingredients — feed additives, premixtures and their mixtures. It exists so that this specific start of the feed chain — substances used in very small amounts but with a large impact on safety — stays under control. It is built on HACCP principles, feed hygiene and full traceability.
Does a poultry farm need FAMI-QS?
A poultry-rearing farm does not need FAMI-QS. The standard applies to makers of feed additives and premixtures — companies that produce the ingredients added to feed, not bird keepers. If, alongside the farm, you run a premix or additive plant for sale, FAMI-QS is the standard for that activity. Simply buying a finished, certified premix does not oblige the farm to hold FAMI-QS.
What FAMI-QS requires
The standard combines HACCP, feed hygiene and ingredient traceability.
HACCP for additives and premixtures
Hazard analysis and critical control points tailored to the specifics of feed additives — including hazards that are easy to miss at very low dose rates.
Ingredient traceability
The ability to trace each batch of additive or premix — from raw material to buyer. This is the basis for a fast recall when a problem with a batch appears.
Cross-contamination control
Procedures that prevent active substances carrying over between batches — critical where ingredients already act in trace amounts.
Feed hygiene and good practice
Requirements for cleanliness of production, storage, equipment and people, so that the additive or premix is not contaminated at any stage.
Management system and documentation
Procedures, instructions and records that bring order to the plant and make it possible to prove the requirements are met day to day.
Certification body audit
An independent audit by an accredited body at certification and on an annual cycle. The outcome decides whether the FAMI-QS certificate is kept.
FAMI-QS step by step
- 1
Check whether FAMI-QS applies to you
FAMI-QS is for producers of feed additives, premixtures and their mixtures. If you make such ingredients for sale, the standard applies to you. If you only feed poultry with finished feed or premix, the certificate is usually not needed.
- 2
Get to know the code
Download the current version of the FAMI-QS code and compare its requirements with the state of your plant. This shows how much work stands between you and a certification audit.
- 3
Implement HACCP and a management system
Develop a HACCP plan for additives and premixtures, hygiene procedures, cross-contamination control and traceability, and train the team. This is the most labour-intensive stage.
- 4
Choose an accredited certification body
The FAMI-QS certificate is issued by an independent certification body approved by FAMI-QS. Choose one from the official list and book a certification audit.
- 5
Pass the certification audit
The auditor checks documentation and practice at the plant. After a positive result and closing any non-conformities, you receive the FAMI-QS certificate.
- 6
Maintain it — surveillance audits
The certificate requires audits on an annual cycle and ongoing record-keeping. Neglected records are the most common cause of trouble at renewal.
Frequently asked questions about FAMI-QS
Must a poultry farm have FAMI-QS?add
No. FAMI-QS applies to producers of feed additives and premixtures, not to bird keepers. Feeding poultry with a finished, certified premix does not require the farm to hold FAMI-QS.
How is FAMI-QS different from GMP+?add
Both standards address feed safety, but they focus on different links. FAMI-QS is dedicated to producers of specialty ingredients — feed additives and premixtures. GMP+ covers a wider feed chain: feed production, trade and transport.
Who requires FAMI-QS?add
Most often feed and premix producers that buy additives, and buyers in integrated chains. If you sell additives or premixtures, a FAMI-QS certificate is often a condition for entering into cooperation.
How long is a FAMI-QS certificate valid?add
A certificate is issued for a set period, and keeping it depends on surveillance audits on an annual cycle. A negative audit or serious non-conformities can lead to suspension or withdrawal.
Take control of certificates in DlaFerm.pl
In DlaFerm.pl you flag your farm certificates and keep feed documentation in one place — ready for an audit. Create a free account or write to us.
Teléfono
+48 796 258 151