New competency in feed qualification endorsed by Food Standards Agency
A new qualification route for those wanting a career or further their expertise in animal feed regulation and official feed controls has been given the green light by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA).
In partnership with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the FSA has endorsed their Professional Competency in Feed qualification, which covers the legal requirements in relation to feed at all stages, including:
- Primary production
- Manufacture and distribution
- Framework for the official control regulations governing animal health and public health.
The 6 month course includes a mixture of online teaching, training days and assessment days, and is open to candidates across England, Scotland and Wales.
Karen McCloskey, FSA Head of Delivery Standards, said the new qualification would help boost the numbers of trained officers available to carry out official feed controls: “We’re continuously looking for opportunities to support new ways into food and feed regulation that are flexible and inclusive, and will help maintain a pipeline of officers to keep food and feed safe and make sure food is what it says it is.”
“Thanks to the CTSI, their local authority partners and all those who have contributed to the development of this qualification, and for their dedication in maintaining high professional standards within the sector.”
John Herriman, CTSI Chief Executive, said he was pleased to have been able to work with the FSA to introduce some flexibility which would allow people to achieve Feed competency in a standalone qualification.
“I am pleased that we have been add this new element of flexibility to bring more people into this important regulatory function. We are thrilled that this has gone ahead and look forward to welcoming new students to the Feed competency. We look forward to working with the FSA on an equivalent qualification in food competency over the next year.”
