Guideline Feed Monitoring - QS ...

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Guideline Feed Monitoring - QS ...
Guideline
Feed Monitoring

                  Version: 01.01.2020
                     Status: • Release
Guideline Feed Monitoring - QS ...
Contents

1 Fundamentals............................................................................................ 4

1.1     Scope ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2     Responsibilities ................................................................................................ 4
1.2.1       Feed sector .................................................................................................................. 4
1.2.2       Agriculture ................................................................................................................... 4

2 Sampling ................................................................................................... 5

2.1     Requirements for the sampler .......................................................................... 5
2.2     Sampling at compound feed producers ............................................................. 5
2.3     Sampling at Agricultural Businesses ................................................................. 5
2.4     Sampling at mobile feed milling and mixing plants ........................................... 5
2.5     Sampling at delivery by ship ............................................................................. 6
2.6     Sampling report ................................................................................................ 6
2.7     Packaging and Transport of the laboratory sample........................................... 6

3 Requirements for laboratories .................................................................. 6

3.1     Pre-conditions for QS approval ......................................................................... 6
3.1.1       Accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 ................................................... 6
3.1.2       Minimum Analysis Capability Requirements ...................................................................... 7
3.1.3       Participation in ring tests ............................................................................................... 7
3.1.4       Subcontracting ............................................................................................................. 7
3.2     Maintenance of QS approval ............................................................................. 8
3.2.1       QS laboratory performance assessment ........................................................................... 8
3.2.2       Laboratory proficiency tests ........................................................................................... 8
3.3     Loss of QS approval .......................................................................................... 8
3.4     Obligation to enter results into the QS feed monitoring database .................... 9
3.4.1       Sample receipt ............................................................................................................. 9
3.4.2       Timely input of analysis results ....................................................................................... 9
3.5     Access authorisation and perusal of documents ............................................... 9

4 Exceedance of limit or guidance values ..................................................... 9

4.1     Incident- and crisis management ..................................................................... 9
4.2     Residues of plant protection products in feed oils/fats or fatty acids ............. 10

5 Feed monitoring database ....................................................................... 10

5.1     Entry of sample related data by feed companies ............................................ 10
5.2     Entry of analysis results by labs ..................................................................... 11
5.3     Evaluation options .......................................................................................... 13

6 Feed control plans in the QS-System ....................................................... 13

6.1     Control plans agriculture ................................................................................ 14
6.1.1       Control   plan   Agriculture     (Pigs) ...................................................................................... 15
6.1.2       Control   plan   Agriculture     (Cattle) ................................................................................... 16
6.1.3       Control   Plan   Agriculture     (Poultry) .................................................................................. 18
6.1.4       Control   plan   Agriculture     Bakery Products ....................................................................... 19
6.2     Control plans Compound feed producers ........................................................ 20
6.2.1       Control plan Pig, Cattle, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Horse and Rabbit feed................................ 21
6.2.2       Control plan laying hen feed ......................................................................................... 23
6.2.3       Control plan Mineral feed producers .............................................................................. 24

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Guideline Feed Monitoring - QS ...
6.2.4        Control plan Substitute milk products producers ............................................................. 24
6.2.5        Positive release sampling of blended fats and oils (with processed fatty acids and blended
             fatty acids) ................................................................................................................ 24
6.2.6        Control plan for blends of oils and blends of fats (blends of vegetable oils respectively fats) . 25
6.3      Control plan Premixes and Feed additives ...................................................... 26
6.3.1        Control plan Premixes and Feed additives ...................................................................... 26
6.4      Control plans Feed material producers ........................................................... 26
6.4.1        Control plan Grains, their products and by-products ........................................................ 27
6.4.2        Control plan for Starch Production, their products and by-products ................................... 29
6.4.3        Control plan oil seeds, oil fruits and other oil-supplying plants, their products and by-products
             as well as feed fats ..................................................................................................... 31
6.4.4        Control plan Tubers, roots, their products and by-products as well as for (Cane) sugar
             molasses and Vinasse ................................................................................................. 34
6.4.5        Control plan By-products of fermentation- and distillation industry.................................... 35
6.4.6        Control plan Minerals .................................................................................................. 37
6.4.7        Control plan Former foods, products and by-products of food production ........................... 37
6.4.8        Control plan Fish and other marine animals, their products and by-products ...................... 39
6.4.9        Control plan Milk products ........................................................................................... 40
6.4.10       Control plan Glycerine as by-product of the processing of vegetable oil ............................. 40
6.4.11       Control plan dried grass meal ....................................................................................... 41
6.4.12       Control plan dried products (drying plants) .................................................................... 41
6.4.13       Control plan for By-products from fruit and vegetable processing...................................... 44
6.4.14       Control plan for Pulses, their products and by-products ................................................... 44
6.5      Control Plan for Traders ................................................................................. 45
6.5.1        Control plan for traders of feed material ........................................................................ 45
6.5.2        Positive release sampling trade .................................................................................... 47

7 Definitions............................................................................................... 47

7.1      Explanation of Symbols .................................................................................. 47
7.2      Abbreviations ................................................................................................. 48

8 Annexes .................................................................................................. 50

8.1      Table of Parameters and Methods Table ......................................................... 50
8.2      Table of Limit-/QS Guidance Values ............................................................... 50
8.3      Designations of Compound Feed and Self-mix (agricultural sector) in the
         database ......................................................................................................... 50
8.4      Designations of Premixes and Feed Additives in the database ........................ 50
8.5      Analysis spectrum for Pesticides .................................................................... 50
8.6      Registration form for laboratories .................................................................. 50
8.7      Additional control plans .................................................................................. 50
8.8      Ad-hoc monitoring plans................................................................................. 50
8.9      Evaluation criteria laboratory performance assessment ................................. 50

Revision information Version 01.01.2020 .................................................... 51

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1 Fundamentals
The feed monitoring is designed for the monitoring of the quality assurance for feed out of the QS
scheme to ensure compliance with the maximum content, action thresholds and guidance values for
mycotoxins, environmental toxins, plant protection products, microorganisms, heavy metals, animal
components, and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) amongst others at the feed sector and agriculture
stage.

This guideline regulates standardised procedures and requirements for feed monitoring and forms the
basis for a permanent control of production, trade and storage of QS feed. The aim is to identify
exceeding’s and their cause in QS goods as well as initiating effective measures for prevention and
reduction.

1.1 Scope
    Feed sector:

         Feed additive production
         Premix production
         Compound feed production
         Feed material production
         Trade
         Private Labeller
         Small scale feed material producers
         Mobile feed milling and mixing plant
         System coordinators

    Agriculture:

         Cattle farming
         Pig farming
         Poultry production

    QS approved laboratories

1.2 Responsibilities
The company must comply with the requirements of the QS scheme and be able to prove its compliance
at all times. The company must ensure compliance not only with the requirements of this guideline and
other related documents (e.g. Guideline Feed Sector, Guidelines Agriculture) but also with the applicable
legal provisions both within the country in which the QS products are produced as well as the country in
which they will be marketed by the scheme participant.

1.2.1    Feed sector

The responsibility for realizing the analysis including entering the sample related data and analysis results
in the feed monitoring data base and if applicable taking the required measures lies with the scheme
participants, small scale feed material producers and operator of mobile feed milling and mixing plants
respectively.

1.2.2    Agriculture

Each company using primary products for feed or self-mixing companies are subject to the feed
monitoring. The organisation of feed monitoring, including the establishment of the test plan to control
the feed as well as selection of the farms where the feed samples shall be drawn, is the responsibility of
the coordinator who also performs the checks.

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Livstock farmers who only use purchased QS complete feeds do not have to participate in QS feed
monitoring. With businesses which are certified for QS crop farming, grassland use or forage production,
the self-produced feed quantity is not taken into consideration when calculating the control plan, but
samples for feed monitoring can be taken in businesses of this kind nevertheless.

2 Sampling
The scheme participant (producer, system coordinator, agricultural coordinator, trader, small scale feed
material producer and - for the mobile feed milling and mixing plant - certification body) is responsible
for the planning and implementation of sampling. Sampling may be outsourced to an external sampler
from a lab or sampling institution (PNI). Location, method and frequency of the sampling must be
documented and suited for the products.

The sampler must draw a representative sample. Therefor incremental samples must be taken from
various different points of a batch. These incremental samples have to be blended, then turned into an
aggregate sample, which is divided to obtain representative samples for the lab. It is not allowed to
prepare average samples from different batches.

The volume of a sample must be sufficient to do second or third examinations by further laboratories.

If the sampling method does not explicitly require something else, glass bottles and other glassware are
excluded for use as sample container.

2.1 Requirements for the sampler
The sample must be taken by a qualified person, who is trained and experienced in the sampling of feed
and can take the appropriate care when sampling. The qualification is to be documented by records of
education, experience and training of the sampler.

2.2 Sampling at compound feed producers
To obtain a representative compound feed production sample, samples should be taken straight from
product circulating during the production process. In case of pelleted compound feedstuffs, the sample is
taken at the infeed point of the final product cell, in the case of floury and liquid compound feed, samples
are taken following the point at which all components of the recipe were apportioned and mixed. After
completion of the production process, possible further influences on quality (e.g. due to storage) must be
considered HACCP-based. This may require further sampling.

2.3 Sampling at Agricultural Businesses
The sample must be taken by third parties (e.g. within the audit) or by a competent person appointed by
the coordinator in the presence of the farmer. Sample taking by the farmer or employees of the farm is
not allowed.

In the case of silage feed, samples are taken at least three different points of the fresh cutting face and
combined into one aggregate sample. The sample is not to be taken from the edge area of the silage
feed. Alternatively, a drill (sampling probe) may be used to take the sample. In the case of feed stored
open, an aggregate sample has to be taken from at least five points.

In the case of feed stored in closed and inaccessible areas, the sample has to be taken at the withdrawal
point.

2.4 Sampling at mobile feed milling and mixing plants
The sample must be taken by the auditor. Random samples of feed components (fats, oils and blends of
fats/ oils) need to be taken.

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For analysis of the positive release sampling the operator of the facility must take samples itself. Facility
operators, who trade

    fatty acids from chemical refining
    fatty acid distillates from physical refining
    salts from fatty acid
    fish oil (including refined fish oil, hydrogenized)
    crude coconut oil or raw cocoa butter
    mono and diglycerides of fatty acids
    blended fats and oils, which contain fatty acids and blended fatty acids

must conduct a positive release sampling for their products before they are marketed.

2.5 Sampling at delivery by ship
For producers and traders, it has to be ensured that at least one sample for every sea ship and every
kind of raw material (e.g. maize and wheat) is taken into account for the respective valid control plan.
During sampling all parts of the load (hold respectively loading space) have to be considered.

2.6 Sampling report
After the sample was taken, the sampler has to promptly prepare and print a sampling protocol. Therefor
a new sample related data set (sample related data) has to be entered in the feed monitoring database.
Further information for entering sample related data within the database can be found in chapter 5.1.

2.7 Packaging and Transport of the laboratory sample
Neither the container nor the process of transport to the lab must be allowed to influence any of the
parameters to be analysed in the sample. Containers must be closed and sealed to prevent from any
unauthorised opening and closing. Labelling must ensure sustained traceability.

The sample should be sent to the laboratory ten working days after sampling at the latest. If necessary,
products that change with time have to be stored and shipped under appropriate refrigerated or frozen
condition.

3 Requirements for laboratories
The analyses within the QS feed monitoring can only be carried out by QS approved labs. The approval of
laboratories by QS is necessary to ensure compliance with the QS requirements and thus to ensure the
comparability of analytical results between laboratories on a uniformly high level.

The application for the QS approval for feed monitoring is to be submitted directly to the QS Qualität und
Sicherheit GmbH ("Registration form for laboratories", see Annex 8.6). Each application will be assessed
individually by QS. Upon request by QS additional further documentation necessary for the approval are
to be transmitted to QS. In case of a positive assessment, a framework agreement between the QS
Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH and the lab will be concluded.

The approved laboratories will be published on the website www.q-s.de and can be selected in the feed
monitoring database within the sample related data.

3.1 Pre-conditions for QS approval
3.1.1   Accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025

The laboratories must be accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 in the currently valid version
for the scope of feed analyses.

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In addition, QS specifies certain test methods for the analysis of the individual parameters (annex 8.1:
Table parameters and methods). Laboratories with an area accreditation must submit the validation
documentation on the methods required by QS.

Upon request additional further documentation necessary for the approval are to be transmittedto QS.

A distinction is made between reference, alternative and screening methods. Reference and screening
methods are the standard methods used for the analysis of parameters. Additionally, laboratories have
the possibility to apply for the QS approval of an alternative method for the analysis of a parameter. This
can be approved by QS as alternative method for the laboratory, if the equivalence can be proven to QS
by means of suitable validation documents including measurement uncertainties and ring test results. QS
decides on the equivalence of an alternative method.

When the test methods as listed are implemented, but the accreditation certificate of the laboratory does
not yet contain them, a preliminary approval can be declared, providing that these test methods are
accredited within the next 12 months.

3.1.2     Minimum Analysis Capability Requirements

The laboratory is obliged to provide QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH with a list of all parameters that
can be determined by the laboratory in the feed area including limits of quantification and measurement
uncertainty where necessary. This list has to be structured in accordance with the methods required.

If active substances (parent substances) with a complex residue definition and findings are determined,
an appropriate special method for the precise determination of the metabolites must be used in order to
satisfy Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005. The finding of the special method should be listed in the
report.

3.1.3     Participation in ring tests

A participation in external ring tests for each applied parameter within the last year prior to the
application is a prerequisite for the QS approval. The individual results of the ring tests have to be
submitted to QS for inspection as well as the spectrum of analysis. When there are no ring test results for
a specific parameter, due to the fact that no ring tests for this parameter are available in a feed relevant
matrix, it is up to QS to decide whether a comparable inter-laboratory test can be acknowledged.

Laboratories still in the approval procedure must also participate successfully in the laboratory
performance assessments organized by QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH. If the participation in the
laboratory performance assessments is not successful, QS decides individually on the further steps for
every case.

3.1.4     Subcontracting

QS approved laboratories have the possibility to subcontract individual parameters to another QS
approved laboratory. A subcontract can only be assigned to laboratories that have a QS approval for the
corresponding parameter themselves. The subcontract has to be fulfilled by this laboratory and cannot be
subcontracted to a third laboratory.

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Subcontracting is only approved by QS, if at least one parameter is analysed by the laboratory itself. The
following documents have to be submitted to QS by the instructing laboratory for laboratories that
analyse QS samples in subcontract (see “Registration form for laboratories”):

    Name of the laboratory
    Subcontracting agreement between the two laboratories including information about the parameters
    that will be determined
    Corresponding accreditation documents or validation documents when the relevant methods have not
    yet been accredited. If the subcontract is given to a laboratory already QS approved for the feed
    monitoring, a documentary check is not applicable.

After the release of the subcontract, the entry of the analysis results in the feed monitoring database is
carried out by the commissioning laboratory.

A parameter can only be subcontracted to one laboratory at a time. QS must be informed without asking,
when there are any changes in a subcontract.

3.2 Maintenance of QS approval
3.2.1   QS laboratory performance assessment

All laboratories approved by QS are obliged to participate in the laboratory performance assessments
organized or specified by QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH. The obligation to participate applies both to
laboratories performing the analysis on the relevant parameters themselves and to laboratories
subcontracting the analysis.

In the scope of the laboratory performance assessment, subcontracted parameters have to be submitted
to the subcontracted laboratory previously approved by QS. The sample has to be marked as test
material in the scope of the laboratory performance assessment and may only be analyzed for the
subcontracted parameters. The analysis must be performed within the period defined in the test. The
laboratory participating in the laboratory performance assessment must submit the results of the
subcontracted analysis to QS.

 Annex 8.9 Evaluation criteria laboratory performance assessment

3.2.2   Laboratory proficiency tests

The regular participation on further ring tests dealing with feed relevant matrices for the approved
parameters must be verified to QS as follows:

    Annual list of planned inter-laboratory tests for the current calendar year (by 15 March of the current
    year)
    Annual list (at the latest by 15 March of the following year) of the suitability tests actually passed in
    the previous calendar year with results and, as a possible consequence, any measures introduced.
    Participation in ring trials must be verified for each parameter every year.

3.3 Loss of QS approval

If a laboratory loses its approval, existing orders can be worked off and the results entered into the QS
database for a maximum of four weeks from the date approval was lost. A new application for approval is
only possible after six months at the earliest provided that

    a new check of documents has been completed
    a laboratory audit was conducted by QS at the expense of the laboratory

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3.4 Obligation to enter results into the QS feed monitoring database
3.4.1   Sample receipt

Only samples marked as QS samples on the accompanying sample protocol and listed as such in the QS
database are to be tested by the laboratories as QS samples.

A sufficiently large reference sample has to be formed from each sample that will be analysed in a
laboratory. This reference sample has to be stored for at least three months after the end of analysis,
unless legal specifications impose a longer storage.

3.4.2   Timely input of analysis results

The analysis results of the corresponding sample ID have to be entered by the laboratories in the feed
monitoring database. For the filing of the results the following deadlines apply:

    The latest submission deadline after sample receipt is 30 working days.
    The entry has to be done within ten working days after the end of the complete analysis.
    Complaints noticed by the laboratory have to be entered immediately into the QS database by the
    next working day after the end of the analysis.
    If a data record has to be reset in the QS database due to erroneous entries, the laboratory must
    complete it again within three working days after the reset.

3.5 Access authorisation and perusal of documents
QS reserves the right to either check compliance with the accreditation requirements and regulations
within the scope of a laboratory audit by itself or have them checked by a commissioned per-
son/organisation. The laboratory is obliged to grant QS, or a person/organisation commissioned by QS
access to all documentation relating to its activities within QS Feed Monitoring. In addition to this, QS or
authorised third parties can commission analyses from the laboratory. If necessary, this can also be done
with regard to concealed samples.

4 Exceedance of limit or guidance values
If a sample is found to exceed the maximum level, action threshold or QS guidance value by the lab, the
result needs to be verified lab-internally at first. If the result was verified, the scheme participant must
immediately be notified. The scheme participant may have another lab double-check the first test result,
if necessary. The same sample material (part of the entire sample) is to be used for this further analysis
in a different laboratory. More information on the procedure when commissioning a second lab is
contained in Chapter 5.2.

4.1 Incident- and crisis management
When a maximum level, action threshold or QS guidance value is exceeded, the scheme participant is
obliged to notify QS immediately (notification via paper of incident). QS supports the scheme participant
in clarification of the issue and the initiation of measures. QS does not take over informing the competent
authorities. The company itself must undertake that action.

When the QS guidance value for aflatoxin B1 is exceeded in feed for companies participating in the QM
milk scheme, the QS head office as well as QM milk have to be informed. If use of the feed in QM milk
companies cannot be excluded, inform your customer about the exceedance of the QS guidance value
and the use of the feed (e.g. "Product is not suited for feeding dairy cows.").

With an exceedance of the EU-orientation values with the parameters DON, ZEA and OTA no requirement
to inform QS exists. However, company internal measures for dealing with the goods have to be
determined and documented.

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Note: In the Software Platform a plausibility check of the analysis value and the maximum level, action
threshold or QS guidance value stored within is performed automatically. In case of an exceedance, the
feed company receives a notification by email (to the legal representative).

4.2 Residues of plant protection products in feed oils/fats or fatty acids
Residues of plant protection products in feed oils/fats or fatty acids have to be evaluated by the
laboratory according to the following inspection cascade:

    First, it must be checked whether there is a maximum level for the detected plant protection active
    substance defined in the directive on undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EG and
    resale rights).
    If there are no levels defined, the maximum residue levels of the regulation on maximum residue
    levels apply (Regulation 396/2005).
    For products made of vegetable oilseeds we recommend to consult the document "GMP+ BA1 Specific
    Feed Safety Limits" (cf. pp. 78 ff) by GMP + Int.

The regulation on maximum residue levels allows to take processing factors into account when evaluating
residues of plant protection active substances. In addition, the German Federal Institute for Risk
assessment (BfR) defined processing factors that can be taken into account for a number of products and
plant protection active substances’ residues. However, for the final analysis, the company’s individual
production methods have to be taken into consideration.

The maximum levels must be entered into the QS database by the laboratories. Where required, the
necessary information regarding the company’s individual production methods needs to be communicated
to the laboratory commissioned by the company (client) in order to make a correct evaluation of analysis
results possible.

5 Feed monitoring database
Within the feed monitoring database all sample analysis results of the feed monitoring are collected.

The registered data serves as a basis for documenting the feed sector's performance in the area of self-
assessment. This dedicated knowledge base will help to adapt the type and quantity of testing specified
in the control plans to risk minimisation necessities.

Data security

Each scheme participant has free access to data they stored in the database. The data are subject to the
"Database privacy policy statement of May 2018" (www.qs-plattform.de) to protect the data from
persons not expressly authorised by QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH.

5.1 Entry of sample related data by feed companies
The sample related data must be entered in the feed monitoring database. The entry should be made
before the sample has been sent to the laboratory. By entering into the feed monitoring database, the
sample receives a unique sample ID, which has to be provided to the Laboratory. Therefor the sample
report has to be printed out after entering the sample related data and added to the sample.

When entering the sample related data, the following sample types have to be distinguished:

    Regular samples: Sample taken within the scope of the regular sector-specific monitoring of QS.
    Gate-Keeping: Sample taken within the scope of gate-keeping for a non-certified supplier.
    Positive release sampling: Sample taken within the scope of positive release sampling of certain fats
    and oils.
    Special release: Sample taken company-specifically within the scope of a special release granted by
    QS.

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Additional control plan: Sample taken within the scope of an additional control plan.
    Ad-hoc plan: Sample taken within the scope of an ad-hoc plan.

Further information about the handling of the feed monitoring database and entry of the sample related
data is available on the Software Platform (www.qs-plattform.de) within the menu item "Support".
There manuals can be found on how to use the database and how to enter sample related data for feed
companies and agricultural coordinators (Database instructions - Feed monitoring Feed sector and
agricultural coordinators). After the client has finished the data entry, the lab gets access to the data and
the right to provide the lab related data and enter analysis results and evaluation. As soon as the
laboratory has entered the analysis result the client can review the analysis result.

It is not allowed to entrust the laboratory in the feed monitoring database after the analysis of the
sample has been completed. The data records are automatically deleted.

5.2 Entry of analysis results by labs
Only QS approved labs are able to perform analysis for the QS feed monitoring. Therefor they must be
enabled for an analysis by the scheme participants in the feed monitoring data base. Afterwards they can
view the sample related data entered by the client (data from the sampling protocol).

When the lab gets the sample, the lab will first of all enter the sample number to verify whether their
client correctly and completely entered all sample data. If the client did not yet input the required data,
the lab has to ask him to do so. The lab must not start analysing until all relevant data is available. The
lab will then examine the sample for the parameters specified on the travelling sample ticket.

If pesticides are found above the limits of detection or quantification, which are not included in the
commissioned spectrum, the client must be informed in any case. Pesticides, which are not shown in the
database spectrum, but which are recorded during the analysis, must be entered manually in the data
record respectively via csv upload.

In the case of a positive result for Salmonella, Animal components or Antibiotic active substances,
additional information must be entered in the comments field of the laboratory accompanying data before
the data record is completed (Salmonella: Serotype indicating subspecies and serovar; Animal
components: Specification of animal species or whether uncritical; Antibiotic active substances until
30.06.2020: Indication of the substance or result of the (post-)examination).

As of 01.07.2020, the parameter antibiotic active substances will apply differently: The
upstream inhibitor test is omitted. The examination must be carried out directly on the specified
substances.

If no exceedance is found, the lab must enter the analysis result in the feed monitoring database. If an
exceedance is found, the lab is obligated to send the client their analysis results in advance. In case the
client accepts the result "as is", the lab has to enter the analysis result in the feed monitoring database.
Besides the determined value the lab adds the maximum level, action threshold or QS guidance value, if
not present with a value in the database.

In case the client does not accept the analysis result, they may obtain a second opinion from another lab.
If they do, the first lab must tick the "Tbd" ("Klärung erforderlich) option instead. The client entrusts a
second lab for a second analysis via the feed monitoring database. The second laboratory then examines
the sample for parameters, where "Klärung erforderlich" was chosen. Once the laboratory has the result
it informs the client. The lab is not able to enter the result (and its evaluation) into the feed monitoring
database. The laboratory merely makes an entry that a result is available. The scheme participant must
contact QS and submits the results of the first and second examinations to the office. Together with the
scheme participant QS will clarify the facts. Should the final result be accepted, the corresponding data is

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then entered into the feed monitoring database by QS. Should no agreement be reached, a third
laboratory may be called in in order to establish a definitive result through a corresponding follow-up
examination (see figure 1 "Decision tree to handle analysis results").

    1st analysis: Did the analysis result exceed a statutory maximum level, action
    threshold or QS guidance value?

                    NO                                                   YES

    Lab inserts the result in the        Lab informs scheme participant
    database
                                         Acceptance by scheme             Rejection by scheme
                                         participant                      participant

                                         Lab inserts the result in             scheme participant
                                         the database                          entrusts 2nd lab with
                                                                               2nd analysis of the
                                                                               original sample
                                                                               1st lab does not insert
                                             QS receives
                                                                               the result, but push the
                                             information with
                                                                               button "Tbd" ("Klärung
                                             automatic alert
                                                                               erforderlich") in the
                                             email
                                                                               database
                                             scheme participant
                                                                               scheme participant
                                             informs QS with
                                                                               entrusts 2nd lab (also in
                                             paper of incident
                                                                               the database)
                                             QS clarifies further
                                                                               scheme participant
                                             steps with scheme
                                                                               informs QS about Tbd
                                             participant
                                                                               sample
                                              ------------------------         Continue via 2nd
                                                                               analysis

    2nd analysis: Does the scheme participant accept the result of the 2nd analysis?

                    NO                                                   YES

        scheme participant informs QS        lab sets data set in status "Ergebnis liegt vor“
        about result of 1st and 2nd          scheme participant informs QS about result of 1st
        analysis                             and 2nd analysis
        optionally 3rd lab has to be         QS clarifies with scheme participant, which result will
        entrusted for analysis               be inserted in the QS database; entry of result by QS

Figure 1: Decision tree to handle analysis results1
1The information about an exceedance given to QS does not excuse the company from the obligation to
notify the competent authorities.

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5.3 Evaluation options
Participants in the feed monitoring can evaluate their company-owned data (e.g. by results for each
location, results of the entire company or differentiated by products).

QS has the possibility to make evaluations in addition referring to all analysis results available. Such
validation is based on the mandatory assumption that the companies involved remain anonymous and
that all data is comparable.

6 Feed control plans in the QS-System
Control plans in general

The performed requirements of the control plans in this guideline are minimum requirements. Within the
company’s duty to take care and legal regulations more frequent analyses on certain parameters can be
necessary. This has to be determined and ascertained by the company within the scope of his internal
risk analysis.

The control plans list the minimum parameters the feedstuffs are to be examined for with respect to
every industry and type of animal concerned. Inspections should be systematically spread across the
year. For feed material producers and traders whose product group is not covered by a sector-specific
control plan yet, a company-specific control plan must be submitted to QS for approval. For this purpose
the template "Clearance request Company Specific Control Plan" (see www.q-s.de, Documents and
More) can be used. A company-specific control plan is issued for a limited period of time and is valid for a
year at most.

The information on the tonnage in the control plans refers to the fresh mass or the "commercial state" of
the respective products (e.g. according to description in the positive list), unless dry mass is expressly
given.

If necessary additional control plans exist as an annex to the Guideline Feed Monitoring. If relevant for
the company, it must implement these additional measures. This may also concern delivery trader.

With increased positive findings (exceedance of QS guidance values or maximum levels) QS can react
directly – and independently from any revisions of the guideline – by setting up a binding ad-hoc
monitoring plan. Within this plan, QS can increase the number of analyses of the affected products
deviating from the Guideline Feed Monitoring. As far as relevant for the company, the company is obliged
to additionally implement the ad-hoc monitoring plan (Ad-hoc monitoring plans). This may also affect
pure delivery trader.

Note: The parameters Dioxinand Dioxinlike PCB can be analysed using a combined test. If this is desired,
the corresponding parameter (Summation of Dioxin and Dioxinlike PCB) must be activated in the Feed
monitoring database. Then the parameters Dioxin and Dioxinlike PCB are automatically selected
additionally, so that the lab can deposit the result for all parameters.

Control plans for the feed stage

The control plans refer to each plant location (site specific). The frequency of analysis depends on the
annual quantity (tonnage) of QS feed per plant location. The tonnage applies to all feed, that is given in
the respective control plan.

The parameters refer to a single analysis. Several single analyses can be performed in one sample.
However, the analyses are to be systematically distributed over the year and all QS feed named in the
control plan.

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Up to 50 % of the prescribed final product checks for the parameters to be examined can be performed
on the raw products or intermediate products, provided that contamination and the concentration of
undesired substances can be excluded during the production process.

The analysis for residues of plant protection products should not be carried out in processed products
(e.g. in compound feeds) but always in the unprocessed primary product respectively the raw products.

As of 01.07.2020, the following applies for the parameter antibiotic active substances: The
upstream inhibitor test is omitted. The examination must be carried out directly on the specified
substances.

If any parameter in the control plan does not need to be examined (e.g. if the number of analyses can be
determined according to a HACCP-based risk evaluation), the number of analyses (in the specified sum)
reduces accordingly.

Note: If fewer batches than required individual analyses are produced per year, the number of analyses
shall be reduced according to the batches produced.

Entry into the feed monitoring database

The sample related data and analysis results for all required analyses in the QS feed monitoring -
including the gate-keeping, the release sampling, the additional control plans as well as the ad-hoc
monitoring plans – in the final product or raw material have to be deposited in the Software Platform.

6.1 Control plans agriculture
At a certain deadline, the coordinator yearly calculates the number of raw material analyses for each
substance to be made annually by every coordinator. This calculation is based on the feed quantity the
coordinated farmers produce on their farms or purchase as an agricultural primary product in the course
of one year. If the feed quantity is unknown, the number of animals per type of animal produced, can
serve as a calculation basis for estimating the feed quantity. In case the coordinator does not know how
many animals are kept by every on-farm mixer, the average number of livestock kept in the federal state
(e.g. derived from the net market position of the ZMP (the central agricultural market and pricing
reporting body) for livestock and meat and animal husbandry on farms) is used. The estimated feed
quantity then results from the number of animals multiplied by the calculation factor for the annual feed
quantity per type of animal produced ( chapter 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3). The number of analyses that an
agricultural coordinator has to comply with for the particular control plan should be spread as widely as
possible over the coordinated companies/farms. It is not permissible to examine one sample for all
required parameters, instead as many individual samples as possible should be drawn so that as many
consolidated companies/farms as possible can be taken into consideration.

The coordinator has to distribute the flexible portion among the specified parameters, taking into account
regional as well as seasonal variances with regard to the occurrence of single harmful parameters,
unwanted materials and organisms.

Analyses on antibiotic active substances are conducted in the final self-mix (sample of the final ration).
Self-mixtures containing antibiotics or coccidiostats need not be tested for the declared antibiotics or
coccidiostats, but for the other substances listed in Analge 8.2. If the analysis on antibiotic active
substances shows a positive result by means of the inhibitor test, single substances ( annex 8.2) must
be always examined. The control plans in chapter 6.1.1 to 6.1.4 are to be established and adhered to
separately per species (pigs, cattle, poultry) to all self-mixing livestock owners.

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6.1.1    Control plan Agriculture (Pigs)

Table 1: Minimum number of feed analysis

 Total feed quantity per species [t]        Number of analyses per year

 less than 10,000                           one examination per 250 t

 more than 10,000 to 50,000                 55

 more than 50,000 to 100,000                78

 more than 100,000 to 200,000               113

 more than 200,000                          186

Table 2: Frequency of annual analyses - pig producing self-mixing farms

 Parameter                                 Ratio (%)                      Recommended for
                                                                          feed materials

 Dioxin                                    4                              All

 Dioxinlike PCB                            2                              All

 Non-dioxinlike PCB                        2                              All

 Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As)             6                              All

 Pesticides                                6                              Grain (unprocessed)

 Salmonella                                25                             All

 Mycotoxins
       Aflatoxin B1                        -
       DON                                 25                             Grain, corn, CCM (Corn
       ZEA                                 15                             Cop mix)

 Antibiotic active substances              5                              Self-mix

 Animal components                         -                              -

 Flexible portion of the coordinator       10                             All

 Total                                     100

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Table 3: Template for feed quantity estimation

    Type of agricultural      Scope     Number of used           Annual feed                 Estimated feed
    business1                           animal space             quantity calculation        quantity per
                                        (year)                   factor                      species [t]
                                                                                             (animals x calculation
                                                                                             factor)

    - Pig fattening           2001      Fattening                0.625
    - Gilt / boar rearing     2002      Rearing                  0.625
    - Sow production and      2004      Sows                     1.1
    piglets up until
    weaning
    - Piglet rearing          2008      Piglet rearing           0.25
                                                                                             ------------------
                                                                                             Total
1
  If an operation belongs to more than one type the feed quantity is computed by adding up the calculation factors of
all types concerned.

6.1.2      Control plan Agriculture (Cattle)

Table 4: Minimum number of feed analyses

    Total feed quantity per species [t]           Number of analyses per year

    less than 10,000                              one examination per 250 t

    more than 10,000 to 50,000                    55

    more than 50,000 to 100,000                   78

    more than 100,000 to 200,000                  113

    more than 200,000                             186

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Table 5: Frequency of annual analyses - cattle producing self-mixing farms

    Parameter                               Ratio (%)                             Recommended for feed
                                                                                  material

    Dioxin                                  4                                     All

    Dioxinlike PCB                          2                                     All

    Non-dioxinlike PCB                      2                                     All

    Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As)           6                                     All

    Pesticides                              6                                     Grain (unprocessed)

    Salmonella                              -                                     -

    Mycotoxins
          Aflatoxin B1                      15                                    All
          ZEA                               10                                    Grain, corn, silage corn
          DON                               10                                    Grain, corn, silage corn

    Antibiotic active substances            10                                    Self-mix

    Animal components                       10                                    Self-mix

    Flexible portion of the
                                            25                                    All
    coordinator

    Total                                   100

Table 6: Template for feed quantity estimation

    Type of                 Scope            Number of       Calculation factor            Estimated feed
    agricultural                             used            annual feed quantity          quantity per species
    business1                                animal                                        [t]
                                             space                                         (animal x calculation
                                             (year)                                        factor)

    - Cattle fattening      1001                             6.5
    - Calf fattening (on    1002                             -²
    milk substitutes)
    - Feeder production     1004                             1.3
    - Calf rearing          1004                             1
    - Dairy farming         1008                             5
    - Suckling / nursing    1016                             5
    cow production
                                                                                           ----------
                                                                                           Total
1
  If an operation belongs to more than one type the feed quantity is computed by adding up the calculation factors of
all types concerned.
2
  Examinations to include the forage used together with milk substitutes.

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6.1.3    Control Plan Agriculture (Poultry)

Table 7: Minimum number of feed analyses

 Total feed quantity per species [t]       Number of analyses per year

 less than 10,000                          one examination per 250 t

 more than 10,000 to 50,000                   55

 more than 50,000 to 100,000                  78

 more than 100,000 to 200,000              113

 more than 200,000                         186

Table 8: Frequency of annual analyses - poultry producing self-mixing farms

 Parameter                                    Ratio (%)                       Recommended for
                                                                              feed materials

 Dioxin                                       4                               All

 Dioxinlike PCB                               2                               All

 Non-dioxinlike PCB                           2                               All

 Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As)                6                               All

 Pesticides                                   6                               Grain (unprocessed)

 Salmonella                                   50                              All

 Mycotoxins
 Aflatoxin B1                                 -
                                                                              -
 ZEA                                          -
 DON                                          -

 Antibiotic active substances                 5                               Self-mix

 Animal components                            -                               -

 Flexible portion of the coordinator          25                              All

 Total                                        100

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Table 9: Template for feed quantity estimation

    Type of agricultural       Scope        Number of            Annual feed         Estimated feed quantity
    business1                               used animal          calculation         per species [t]
                                            space (year)         factor1             (animals x calculation factor)

    Broiler fattening          3001                              0.0025
    Turkey rearing             3002                              0.042
    Turkey fattening           3004                              0.042
    Peking duck rearing        3008                              0.004
    Peking duck fattening      3016                              0.004
    Laying hen farming         3032                              0.042
    Poultry for multiplying    301                               0.042
    broiler
    Poultry for multiplying    304                               0.042
    fattening turkey                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                                     Total
1
  If an operation belongs to more than one type the feed quantity is computed by adding up the calculation factors of
all types concerned.

6.1.4       Control plan Agriculture Bakery Products

This control plan has to be implemented for all animal species and has to be applied in addition to the
control plans in the chapters 6.1.1 to 6.1.3.

There is at least one sample per farm and year to analyse.

Table 10: Minimum number of annual analyses

                            Amount in t                           ≥10,000
    Parameter
6.2 Control plans Compound feed producers
Table 11 shows which control plans respectively tables apply to which types of compound feed (pig, cattle
and poultry feed as well as feed for sheep, goats, horses and rabbits). Table 12 to

Table 16 indicate how often they are to be examined per year. Table 12 to

Table 16 do not show the requirements for the analyses of laying hen feed, as well as mineral feed,
substitute milk products, and blends of fats/ fatty acids and blends of oils/fats (blends of vegetable oils
and fats respectively). The requirements for these feed types are outlined separately in  chapters 6.2.2,
6.2.3, 6.2.4, 6.2.5 and 6.2.6.

If compound feed (e.g. supplementary feed) is produced "for all animal species", the control plans for
pig, cattle and poultry feed as well as feed for sheep, goats, horses and rabbits must be observed.

Certain products are subject to the positive release sampling in the QS scheme:

    blended fats and oils, which contain fatty acids and blended fatty acids
    fatty acids from chemical refining
    fatty acid distillates from physical refining
    salts from fatty acids
    fish oil (including refined fish oil, hydrogenized)
    crude coconut oil
    raw cocoa butter
    mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

Compound feed producers, which use these products for their compound feed, have the option to
purchase products, which have no positive release sampling. But they have then to take over the positive
release sampling of their suppliers prior to the processing of these products. This possibility does only
exist if there is a special release for the compound feed producer and does not exist for QS goods or
goods from QS recognized standards.

Companies that act as gatekeepers in accordance with Annex 9.2 to guideline feed sector must carry
out the analyses required there in addition to the regular analyses. Monitoring must be carried out for
each non-certified supplier.

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Table 11: Overview – Tables for compound feed producer

 Compound feed (for)                      Name of feed                            Number Table

 Cattle
                                          Fattening feed                          12, 14
                                          Calf feed                               12, 14
                                          Milk performance feed                   12, 13
                                          Substitute milk products                19
 Pig
                                          Sow, piglet and pig fattening feed      12, 15
 Poultry
                                          Fattening feed                          12
                                          Poultry multiplying feed                12, 16
                                          Laying hen feed                         17
 Sheep and goats
                                          Fattening feed                          12, 14
                                          Lambs feed                              12, 14
                                          Dairy sheep/goat feed                   12, 13
                                          Milk performance feed                   19
 Horses                                   Horse feed                              12
 Rabbits                                  Fattening/ breeding feed                12
 Mineral feed                             Mineral feed                            18
 Oils and Fats                            Blended fats/oils/fatty acids           20 (positive release
                                                                                  sampling)
 Fish                                     Fish feed                               Control plan on request
 Wild boar/fallow deer                    Wild boar/fallow deer feed              Control plan on request
 Pigeons/geese/quails                     Pigeons/geese/quails feed               Control plan on request

6.2.1   Control plan Pig, Cattle, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Horse and Rabbit feed

In Table 12 it is determined how many annual analyses per parameter are to be conducted, depending
on the annual tonnage (t) of pig, cattle, poultry feed as well as feed for sheeps, goats, horses and
rabbits. These analyses must therefore be distributed among the feed. Feed for sheep, goats, horses and
rabbits must be included in the control plan on a pro rata basis (in relation to the total tonnage of the
compound feed produced for pigs, cattle and poultry).

In addition to the analyses required in Table 12, additional analyses must be conducted specifically for
each species. Which compound feed types are to be analysed every year for additional parameters can be
taken from Table 13-16.

For laying hen feed, only the separate control plan applies ( chapter 6.2.2).

In addition to this control plan, the additional control plan Aflatoxin B1 (annex 8.7) may need to be
considered.

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Table 12: Analyses for pig, cattle and poultry feed as well as feed for sheep, goats, horses and rabbits

              Amount                   ≥2,000       ≥5,000        ≥10,000        ≥50,000        ≥100,000
                 in t
Table 15: Additional analyses for pig feed (sow feed, piglet feed and pig fattening feed)

           Amount                 ≥1,000        ≥2,000    ≥5,000    ≥10,000       ≥50,000          ≥100,000
               in t
6.2.3    Control plan Mineral feed producers

These analyses are to be conducted in addition to the analyses outlined in Teble 12 – Table 16 for
mineral feed. For companies that only produce QS mineral feed, Table 18 applies exclusively.

Table 18: Analyses for mineral feed

                     Amount in t                       ≥500             ≥5,000
Parameter of investigation for positive release sampling

      Dioxin
      Dioxinlike PCB
      Non-dioxinlike PCB
      Heavy metals
      Nickel (only to be analysed, when nickel is used in the production process)
      Pesticides
      PAH

Note: Additionally, the following quality parameters should be analysed, and their results compared to
internal specifications and concluded contracts: Fatty acid pattern, moisture and contaminants, free fatty
acid content, melting point, cholesterol.

In addition to the positive release sampling of the final products (of the compound feed producers) the
control plan according to Table 28 must be performed in the raw material.

With supply of products according to Positive release sampling (Fatty acids from chemical refining,
Fatty acid distillates from physical refining, salts from fatty acids, fish oil (including refined fish oil,
hydrogenized), crude coconut oil, raw cocoa butter and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) the results
of the positive release sampling must be requested from the supplier. If the final products are subject to
the positive release sampling, a takeover of positive release sampling for the supplier is not required.

6.2.6       Control plan for blends of oils and blends of fats (blends of vegetable oils respectively
            fats)

Table 20 determines how many annual analyses per parameter are to be examined, depending on the
annual tonnage (t) of blends of oils and blends of fats, which do not contain fatty acids and mixed fatty
acids.

These analyses are to be conducted in addition to the analyses outlined in Table 12 – Table 16 for blends
of oils and blends of fats. For companies that only produce QS blends of oils and blends of fat, Table 20
applies exclusively.

Table 20: Analyses for blends of oils and blends of fats

                 Amount in t                 ≥1,000        ≥5,000         ≥10,000    ≥100,000
    Parameter
6.3 Control plan Premixes and Feed additives
6.3.1       Control plan Premixes and Feed additives

These analyses are to be carried out in addition to the analyses of the Table 12 – Table 16 for
premixtures and feed additives. For companies that only produce QS-premixes and/or feed additives,
Table 21 applies exclusively.

Table 21: Analyses for premixes and feed additives

                          Amount in t                       ≥1,000              ≥5,000
    Parameter
values are established, the feed company must undertake a new risk assessment and adapt the
examination frequency as necessary. The scope of the examinations and risk analysis are checked in the
audit.

The time period considered for the previously conducted examinations must be sufficient for the
assessment of the risk and adjusted to match each respective contamination risk. If there are no
previous analysis results, the highest number of analyses listed in each respective control plan must be
conducted.

With the parameters Dioxins, Dioxinlike PCB, Non-dioxinlike PCB and PAH there is to consider, that the
number of analyses cannot be reduced if a feed material was subjected to drying per direct firing, unless
the company can prove in the form of a risk assessment (e.g. drying with natural gas, propane gas,
Liquid Natural Gas (LNG)) and on the basis of previous analysis results that the quantity of undesired
substances in the feed does not exceed statutory maximum levels or action threshold during the drying
process.

6.4.1    Control plan Grains, their products and by-products

Position Positive List, Group 1: "Cereal grains, their products and by-products" (e.g. Wheat, Barley,
Rye, Maize, Wheat screenings, Oat hulls and bran, Maize germ expeller): 1.01.01 to 1.10.10 (except the
positions of control plans of the starch production), 7.03.01 (Cereal plants) and 7.06.01 (Maize plants)

In addition to this control plan, the additional control plan Aflatoxin B1 (annex 8.7) may need to be
considered.

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