The Product Board Animal Feed ensures that the contents of the Hygiene Code link up with the GMP+. The current version of GMP+ - contained in the GMP+ certification scheme for the animal feed sector 2006 - already includes the new HACCP principles contained in the Brussels rules. This enables participants in the GMP+ to use their GMP+ certificate to show that they comply with the rules of the directive so that checks by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) can be carried out faster and more efficiently.

When drawing up a code, the Product Board Animal Feed consults with the parties concerned. This was also the case with the Hygiene Code for Animal Feed Road Transport. After this, the Product Board Animal Feed submits the contents of the code to the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Quality. The Ministry can then approve the code's method, taking into account the evaluation by the VWA. The Ministry endorsed the code for road transport by the end of June 2006. This makes the Hygiene Code suitable for use as a guideline for compliance with the Animal Feed Hygiene Directive for the purposes of road transport.

Transporters with a GMP+ certificate now satisfy the statutory regulations in the directive which took effect on 1 January 2006. This European act on animal feed follows the General Food Law, which was implemented a year before. Basically, both directives lay down conditions for hygienic and safe working practices (HACCP), product traceability and recalling products or withdrawing them from the market. The starting point here is the industry's own responsibility.

The Animal Feed Hygiene Directive applies to all animal feed companies in all production stages. A 'guide of good practice' has been drawn up to enable these companies to comply with the directive. The guide is better known as the Hygiene Code, a term which is also commonly used in the foodstuffs industry.

Click here for further information about hygiene codes.