SGS : Supply Chain Validation – From Farm to Packaged End Product

SGS can support breeders, farmers, feed producers, transporters, slaughterhouses and deboners and packers at every stage of the processing chain up to the end customer.

We deliver tailored packages of quality assurance programs, audit, inspection, testing and certification services to help you to improve your market access. Read on to find out more about the business possibilities and issues, as well as the solutions available.

Food quality and safety systems

The meat supply chain must have robust control procedures, including traceability and accountability in place. Implementing a production and food quality management system should be a priority. The international food trade requires that meat produced in one country complies with consumer and legislation requirements in its destination market. Established, well respected systems and schemes include:

• SGS tailored supply chain improvement for the meat supply chain
• FEED safety certifications GMP+, FC / EFISC / FAMI-QS
• NON GMO feed certification
• SQF certification and GLOBALG.A.P livestock certifications
• HACCP
• Halal certifications under HAB Global Halal Standard

Implemented in-house, audited, monitored and certified by a third party - such as SGS, these schemes validate handling, processing, welfare and monitoring procedures and rules. Choose the right system and scheme to cover the whole production process, from farm to packaged end product.

Animal welfare

The OIE, the World Organization for Animal Welfare, promotes animal welfare and recognizes the complexity of an issue where the perception of welfare differs from one region and culture to another. It believes that standards should be based on sound science and focus on the results achieved for the animal. At SGS, we provide a range of assessment services to help you develop and improve animal welfare.

On the farm

This supply chain starts with the birth of new animals, with fattening operations who perform feeding. Production of feed safety certification and feed testing. This ensures that animals are appropriately nurtured and can produce a quality meat. This includes the farming of by-products, such as milk and eggs.

Many countries regulate the conditions for livestock farms on which animals are reared and fattened. Regular audits and inspections at every stage, from broiler production, hatcheries and fattening farms offer retailers reassurance that the supply is trustworthy and robust. Where such regulations do not exist, best practices available in other countries can be used to achieve similar quality and compliance.

In transit

Our animal welfare experts verify the qualifications of handlers, transporters and check that there is sufficient floor space and height for the animals brought to slaughterhouses.

In the slaughterhouse

Inspectors oversee the unloading process and log each new arrival, checking animal records against delivery notes and official documentation. To guarantee meat quality, they monitor the quality of animals delivered, identify potential deficiencies in animal handling and related animal welfare issues. This service can be extended to include monitoring throughout the waiting, restraint and stunning areas.

Regular inspections ensure that hygiene, veterinary, welfare and administration controls are implemented and adhered to.

Moving meat to market

Once slaughtered, meat products must be deboned, cut, prepared, packaged and packed for transportation. Implementing appropriate food safety systems and employing our expertise for monitoring purposes, ensures that products reach the end customer in perfect condition.

Food testing

Forming part of any food quality/safety management system, food testing can reveal contaminants, microbiology, identify ingredients and inform the labeling process. Our experts, operating from a global network of ISO 17025 accredited food testing labs, can advise you on the relevant testing regulations and requirements, including the recent development of an accredited analytical method for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH)/mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) among others.

Feed testing

Ensuring quality and safety, SGS animal feed testing and inspection services ensure the nutritional content and value of feeds. Covering a wide range of feeds, we offer full proximate analysis, as well as analysis for concentrates and compound feeds, with energy values.

Independent expertise

With more than 130 years experience in agriculture surveillance, of final fresh and processed food, SGS is qualified, experienced and equipped to support feed producers, farmers, slaughterhouses and processors with audit, inspection and certification services at every step.

Download the full Focus On Agri Food Asia >

Bruno Widmer
Food Business Development Manager