Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

What is GMP?

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a pre-requisite program (PRP) for Quality/ Food/ Feed Safety Management System. It outlines the minimum common hygiene and processing requirements applicable to the processing establishment and intended as the foundation towards achieving higher food/ feed safety management systems such as HACCP, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000.

GMP requirements include:

• Design and layout of premises
• Supplies of water, air and energy
• Management of waste
• Equipment suitability and preventive maintenance
• Cleaning and sanitation
• Management of purchased materials
• Pest control
• Prevention of cross contamination
• Personal Hygiene

What is GMP+?

GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice for Animal Feed) is a certification scheme and set of standards developed for the animal feed industry. It focuses on ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of animal feed production. The GMP+ scheme is designed to cover the entire feed supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials to the production, transport, and storage of animal feed products.

Key aspects and components of the GMP+ scheme include:

• Safety: Ensuring the production of safe animal feed products that do not pose risks to animal health, human health, or the environment.
• Quality: Maintaining high-quality standards for feed production to meet nutritional requirements and performance expectations.
• Responsibility: Promoting responsible and sustainable practices throughout the feed production and supply chain.
• Chain Approach: Covering all aspects of the supply chain, including raw material sourcing, production, transport, and storage of animal feed.
• Certification: GMP+ certification is available for companies that meet the requirements of the scheme. This certification demonstrates compliance with the established standards and practices.

The GMP+ scheme is widely recognized and used in the global animal feed industry to ensure the safety and quality of animal feed products, contributing to the health and well-being of livestock and the overall safety of the food supply chain. It also emphasizes responsible and sustainable practices, aligning with increasing concerns for environmental and social responsibility in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Benefits of GMP

1. Quality Assurance: GMP helps maintain product quality by outlining procedures and controls to ensure consistency in manufacturing processes. This reduces the likelihood of defects or errors in the final product.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Many industries have strict regulatory requirements. Implementing GMP ensures compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of legal and financial penalties.
3. Customer Confidence: Consistently high-quality products build trust and confidence among customers. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
4. Reduced Risk of Contamination: GMP guidelines include protocols for cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation, reducing the risk of product contamination, which can be dangerous in industries like pharmaceuticals and food.
5. Product Safety: GMP emphasizes product safety, which is crucial in industries where products are consumed or used by humans. It helps in identifying and mitigating potential safety hazards.
6. Efficiency: GMP encourages efficient manufacturing processes by optimizing workflows and minimizing waste. This can result in cost savings and improved resource utilization.