Following an extensive evaluation against international accreditation standards, European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) endorsed FAMI-QS quality and safety system for specialty feed ingredients and their mixtures for inclusion into the Multi Lateral Agreement (MLA). FAMI-QS Third Party Certification System is the first scheme operating in the feed sector accepted for inclusion under EA-MLA.

With a view to harmonize the evaluation of sector specific schemes seeking accreditation in Europe, EA established policy, procedures and criteria by which sector specific schemes will be evaluated. FAMI-QS appreciated and welcomed the initiative of EA to harmonize the accreditation process and decision for the sector specific schemes and accompanied the procedure from an early stage.

FAMI-QS is among the first sector specific schemes to apply for a formal evaluation at European level and inclusion under EA-MLA. FAMI-QS was assessed against the International Accreditation Standards and the output of this evaluation was positive.

The acceptance of FAMI-QS under the EA-MLA provides the common platform for all European Accreditation Bodies to fully integrate FAMI-QS in their services. Thus, all the FAMI-QS authorized Certification Bodies will include FAMI-QS under their accreditation. Througout the accreditation process, FAMI-QS ensures that all authorized Certification Bodies demonstrate delivery of a consistently reliable and impartial FAMI-QS certification audit.

The accreditation is provided in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/TS 22003 for the following categories covering the whole scope of FAMI-QS:

~ Category L, Biochemical Manufacturing: Feed additives, Premixtures

~ Category H, Distribution: Trade

~ Category F, Feed Production: Functional Feed Ingredients, Specialty Complementary Feed and Specialty Complementary Dietetic Feed.

For more information about FAMI-QS, please visit their website.