GMP+ International starts Registered Laboratories programme

Reliable laboratory analyses are crucial for a strong and trustworthy feed safety chain. Inaccurate or false analysis results will undermine the faith in the strength of our feed safety chain, as well as endanger feed safety itself. In fact, several incidents, related to inaccurate analysis results, have occurred over the years, which led to confusion and stress among companies within the feed chain. Therefore, after careful consideration, GMP+ International has decided to start the Registered Laboratories programme.

What is it?

Starting July 1st, 2019, laboratories that analyse critical contaminants for GMP+ FSA (Feed Safety Assurance) certified companies (B1, B1.2, B2 and B3), shall be GMP+ registered. Laboratories will have 18 months to meet the requirements, an implementation phase that has been set after consulting our stakeholders.

GMP+ International, together with our stakeholders, developed a new standard and appendix:

• GMP+ B11: standard containing the requirements for registration and verification of laboratories;
• GMP+ BA11: appendix containing the performance criteria for registered laboratories, based on European legislation and ISO standards.

GMP+ International also developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions: GMP+ D3.21. This is a support document with guidelines to help companies with the implementation of the new requirements.

This new programme is exclusively meant for 4 critical contaminants, being:

1. aflatoxin B1
2. dioxins/dioxin-like PCBs/ non-dioxin-like PCBs
3. heavy metals, and
4. pesticides.

Laboratories can choose which of the contaminants they want to register for. GMP+ Registered Laboratories shall meet the following performance criteria for their contaminant(s) of choice:

• LOQ (limit of quantification),
• Reproducibility,
• Bias, and
• Measurement uncertainty.

They also shall participate in Proficiency testing.

What do GMP+ FSA Certified Companies need to do?

For companies that are GMP+ FSA B1, B1.2, B2 or B3 certified, this change means that from July 1, 2019, they can only use GMP+ Registered Laboratories for the analysis of the critical contaminants. Please inform your laboratory of this upcoming change. If you would like, we can also inform them. In that case, please fill out this form and we will get in touch with your laboratory.

How to apply for the GMP+ Registered Laboratories programme?

Once laboratories have implemented the performance criteria, they can apply for GMP+ registration through a GMP+ Certification Body that is qualified for registered laboratory scope. Primarily, audits will be carried out by desk study. On-site audits will be carried out if doubts arise.

GMP+ Registered Laboratories will have to pay GMP+ International an annual fee. This annual fee can be found in the GMP+ C4.

Important dates:

March 2018: Publication of GMP+ B11 and GMP+ BA11 on the GMP+ portal.

March 2018: Laboratories can start preparing and implementing.

June 2018: Laboratories can apply for registration at certification bodies.

June 2018: Publication of new requirements for GMP+ FSA certified companies in GMP+ B1, B1.2, B2 and B3.

July 2019: GMP+ FSA certified companies must use GMP+ registered laboratories.

GMP+ International will send regular updates to all parties involved about our GMP+ Registered Laboratories program. If you have any questions, call the GMP+ help desk: +31 (0)70 307 41 44.