If you’re a new or small business starting out in the animal feed sector, the world of legislation can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that most requirements are simpler than they seem and are designed to support the safety of pet food and animal feed across the UK.
What’s more, there is plenty of straightforward guidance to help you get it right from day one.
Registering With Your Local Authority
One of the very first legal requirements is for all animal feed businesses to be registered or approved by their local authority before they start operating.
This is usually a quick online form.
The first step is to contact your local Trading Standards who can guide and support you through the process.
If you manufacture pet food and/or treats, you will likely be registered as an R6 business.
Local authorities use these kinds of codes to categorise businesses involved in producing, storing, transporting, distributing, or selling animal feed.
The use of Animal-By-Product
Animal-by‑products, often shortened to ABP, are any materials that come from animals but are not intended for people to eat.
This definition covers a wide range of items, including things you might not immediately think of.
ABPs include:
- Milk and milk products.
- Eggs and egg by‑products, including eggshells.
- Honey and other bee products because they are materials of animal origin.
- Any animal‑derived food no longer destined for human consumption.
Even if these products were originally fit for human consumption, the moment they are not intended to be eaten by people, they become ABPs under the law; even when they are purchased from the supermarket.
APHA Approval
If your business handles, stores, uses, or processes ABP, you usually need to be registered or approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) before you start operating.
APHA approval ensures that ABPs are handled safely, hygienically, and in a way that prevents disease risks to animals and humans.
Keeping Feed Safe and Hygienic
Feed hygiene rules apply to nearly everyone working with feed, even if you’re just storing and distributing it.
The law requires feed to be kept clean, dry, and protected from contamination and pests.
Maintain Basic Records
Traceability is a big part of UK feed law.
Businesses must be able to show where feed came from and where it went next.
This normally means keeping invoices and delivery notes, batch or product identification, and supplier and customer details.
Most businesses already keep this information for accounting or stock management, so compliance often requires little extra effort.
Support Is Available
There are various pieces of legislation that cover feed safety, labelling and marketing, and use of feed additives.
Many new businesses feel unsure when they first encounter feed legislation.
Trading Standards help small operators understand their duties, and Food Standards Agency and Business Companion provide easy-to-follow guidance.
If in doubt, reach out. Asking early can save time, money, and stress.
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