IFSA Scheme

The Alliance includes FEMAS from the UK, OVOCOM from Belgium, GMP Plus from Holland, QS from Germany, and has also been adopted by the European Feed Association, FEFAC.  The rules include requirements for applicants.  The IFSA scheme is based on ISO 19011:2002 and HAACP.  The rules also include the requirements for auditors.  HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) involves outside inspectors who ensure critical control points are correctly identified and controls carefully monitored and recorded eg. product temperature, moisture, microbial count etc.  Any deviation outside tolerance limits is investigated and quickly resolved with full documentation for future reference.

If an applicant is successful then the certification lasts for three years.  Following initial audit, a series of surveillance audits are carried out which may not be announced (only 24 hours notice given) at least once and possibly annually. 

A renewal audit is carried out at the end of the three years.

Traceability

• Fishmeal and fish oil should be traceable from user (feed compounder) back to producer
• Transport and storage used should be traceable

 Safety

• Fishmeal and fish oil should be safe, meeting all legislative requirements for:
  • contaminants
  • purity
  • free from pathogenic organisms
  • these products do not contain natural toxins
  • free from mycotoxins etc

 Purity

• Produced in dedicated factories handling only fish caught in boats carrying no other cargo
• Sensitive tests are available to ensure no contamination occurs throughout the handling chain