Feed is of particular importance in the production of foods of animal origin. In the QS scheme production, transport, production sites and trade of both single and compound feed are taken into account. Additionally mobile milling and mixing equipment is also considered.

The QS system includes all stages of production, processing and marketing of food. Starting with farms and continuing through the chain up to food retail stores, the system defines requirements for market participants, which are inspected in a three-step system by internal self-monitoring, independent surveillance and the internal control system of the “QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH”. Currently two main systematic supply chains are identified; the supply chain meat and the supply chain fruit, vegetables and potatoes (see QS-GAP).

When a company active in the feed sector has been certified in the QS system, it can also use this certification for an authorization in the GMP + scheme. Prerequisites are a parallel registration in both systems and an annual audit by an approved certification body such as the IFTA AG.

Feed is of particular importance in the production of foods of animal origin. The GMP + Feed Safety Assurance Scheme (GMP + FSA) is a Dutch standard for securing animal feed safety in all components of the animal feed supply chain and internationally applicable. The GMP+ FSA was created in order to ensure better control of feed safety and covers all stages of feed production, including production, trade, storage and transport.

IFTA AG verifies the GMP + Feed Safety Assurance Scheme (GMP + FSA) in all components of the feed sector.

When a company active in the feed sector has been certified according to GMP + FSA, it can use this certification for an authorization in the QS scheme.

IFTA AG is also authorized to verify the implimentation of the Country Note BCN-NL1 Antibiotics-free animal feed and to certify accodring to the 'Feed Responsibility Assurance "module (FRA).

A certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 has a long tradition in the feed sector. Many of the companies continue to apply the principles of the standard and benefit from ist implementation.

With its minimum requirements the DIN EN ISO 9001 establishes a framework for the quality management system (QMS) of an organization or company. It aids in meeting customer requirements and increases trust in partners. The introduction of a QMS is a strategic decision for the continual development of the organization and thus presents a future safeguard.

The DIN EN ISO 9001 pursues a process-oriented approach, which takes account of the individual steps of performance. The aim is to optimize the organization of all processes, which are relevant in the provision of products or services. Intense customer orientation and a continued improvement of the own QMS deserve particular attention.

A certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 can disclose saving opportunities, particularly in combination with other management standards such as DIN EN ISO 50001.

The DIN EN ISO 14001 standard organizes the implementation of an environmental management system. It organizes all environmental activities of the company. The basic requirement is the establishment of an environmental policy and definition of measurable environmental goals, which shall be reached by implementing the environmental management system. The environmental management system and accompanying regulations are subject to a continuous improvement process.

Congruent with the DIN EN ISO 9001 the DIN EN ISO 14001 follows a process oriented approach, which considers the individual environmental impacts of the company. Doing so it systematizes, controls and monitors the constant analysis of material and energy flows and the gradual reduction of waste, waste water, or emissions.

The DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN EN ISO 14001 can be combined well as an integrated management system. They are also complimented by the DIN EN ISO 50001 (energy management).

Special compensation schemes for energy-intensive businesses were established in the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), its revision in 2012, and the related instructional sheets of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). Producing businesses with a power consumption of more than one gigawatt hour and electricity bills of at least 14% of gross value added, can apply for an exclusion from the EEG reallocation charge. Starting with a power consumption of more than ten gigawatt hours per year, a certification according to DIN EN ISO 50001 or an assessment according to EMAS III are prerequisites for the application for exemption.

As part of the Energy Tax Act and the Electricity Tax Act, the tax benefits (tax cap) for the manufacturing sector are to be tied to the introduction of an energy management system from 2013 onwards. In order to receive the tax benefits such a system must be introduced by the end of 2015 and it must be proven retroactively, that the energy intensity of the manufacturing industry has continuously decreased. Currently only DIN EN ISO 50001 and EMAS III are accepted verification systems for applicants.

The standard identifies the requirements of the energy management system of a business. This includes the planning and operation of energy production and consumption units. Resource and climate conservation as well as an operational decrease in business costs are the main goals.

The DIN EN ISO 50001, DIN EN ISO 14001 and DIN EN ISO 9001 can be combined well as an integrated management system.

The EC Genetic Engineering Implementation Act (EGGenTDurchfG) regulates the labeling of foods, where genetic engineering techniques were not used. Since 2009, there is a unified logo, with which these foods can be labeled. The logo is awarded on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) from the "VLOG - Industry Association Food without Genetic Engineering ".

IFTA AG is a member of VLOG and approved for certification at all stages of the food chain.