Steps to FeedAssure^® Certification

Step 1: Contact ANAC

The first step to becoming a FeedAssure^® certified facility is to contact ANAC to:

• receive a FeedAssure^® program manual (including interpretation guidance, appendices and generic model)
• learn more about additional resources available to assist facilities with implementation

Step 2: Understand the FeedAssure^® program requirements

The FeedAssure^® program manual outlines the minimum requirements that a facility must implement to pass an audit. Becoming familiar with the program requirements allows facilities to allocate the necessary time and resources to successfully implement the program.

Step 3: Develop and implement prerequisite programs and other site-specific programs

The FeedAssure^® program includes a variety of feed specific prerequisite programs (PRP) and other site-specific programs such as biosecurity, feed fraud, feed defense and crisis management plans.  It is important to develop and implement all applicable PRPs.

Start by looking at policies and procedures already in place in your facility. Then develop PRPs and other site-specific plans or update existing procedures to meet the requirements outlined in the FeedAssure^® program manual.

Step 4: Develop a feed safety plan

FeedAssure^® is a full hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) program and each facility must develop a feed safety plan specific to its operation. The feed safety plan involves conducting a hazard analysis on all steps in the facility and on all incoming materials. The hazard analysis will help identify the control measures needed to eliminate or reduce feed safety hazards in the facility.

Step 5: Prepare for the third-party audit

Once a facility has successfully implemented the PRPs, site-specific programs and a feed safety plan, the following requirements must be met to qualify for a third-party audit:

• The facility must have at least three months of records available to demonstrate conformance to the FeedAssure^® program.
• An internal audit must be completed at least one month prior to the third-party audit.
  • Records from internal audits will be reviewed by the third-party auditor.

The length of the initial audit varies from one to three days, based on the complexity of the facility. Following each audit, the facility is provided with a full written report including a final score/rating. Facilities must attain a minimum score to receive their FeedAssure^® certification.

All audit booking is arranged through ANAC. Audits are booked three months in advance to ensure ample time to arrange schedules. To book an audit contact feedassure-proqualite@anacan.org.

Step 6: Obtain FeedAssure^® certification

Facilities that successfully meet all the FeedAssure^® program requirements will:

• receive a certificate of acknowledgement
• have permission to utilize the FeedAssure^® logo and brandmarks
• have access to additional resources through the ANAC website

Audits are conducted annually and after the initial certification audit, facilities enter a 3-year renewal cycle:

• Year 1 – initial audit (full)
• Year 2 – maintenance audit (partial)
• Year 3 – maintenance audit (partial)
• Year 4 – recertification audit (full)

Fees

Audit Fees
FeedAssure^® facilities pay the audit fees associated with the annual third-party audits include the auditor cost plus their travel expenses and applicable taxes.

Licensing Fees
Facilities are required to enter into a licensing agreement with FeedAssure^® setting out obligations under the program and to pay an annual license fee of CDN $2,000 for each certified facility. A special discounted rate of $500 CDN per facility is available to members of the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada.

Contact ANAC to learn more about FeedAssure^® certification and the tools available to help implement FeedAssure^® in your facility.