QS-System: quality assurance testing for producers and retail

LUFA Nord-West Institute for Feed Analysis has worked hand-in-hand with the world's largest quality assurance scheme, QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH right from the beginning and holds to the guidelines set therein for producers of feedstuffs.

LUFA Nord-West Institute for Feed Analysis has worked hand-in-hand with the world's largest quality assurance scheme, QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH right from the beginning and holds to the guidelines set therein for producers of feedstuffs. We support our clients througout the numerous possible testing processes from preparing sample plans and monitoring subsequent progress.

The QS guideline for feed producers provides recommendations for producers of feed material and compound feedstuffs. A typical yearly check plan for compound feedstuffs would include:

• aflatoxin B1
• deoxynivalenol (DON)
• zearalenon
• dioxin
• polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
• salmonella
• heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, quicksilver)
• antibiotic growth promoters (with 4-plate inhibitor test)
• animal components

Depending on the specialisations of individual producers, individually set analysis parameters can be dropped. Analysis cycles are set in accordance with respective production quantities.

If wished for, LUFA Nord-West can take samples in producer's premises and then transport the samples to respective laboratories, thus ensuring that the check plans are adhered to. This is an offer which has been taken up by many feedstuff producers in Lower Saxony, who thereby participate in our agreement to check for unwanted substances in compound feedstuffs for livestock.