In order to ensure safety in the food chain and the health of humans and animals, feed is tested for its properties and the feed production process is monitored. Both livestock feed and pet food are inspected; in Austria around 3,000 feed samples are taken each year.
The Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES) is the authority responsible for controlling the commercial production and marketing of animal feed. The provinces (provincial governors) are responsiblefor monitoring the production, use and feeding of animal feed on farms. The BMLUK (Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management) is the higher authority in Austria in the area of feed control and coordinates the tasks of the provinces and the Federal Office.
During company inspections, documents and records, various production processes and compliance with hygiene standards are checked.
To prevent buyers from being misled, labels, bag tags and accompanying documents are checked for proper labeling.
The production of animal feed must be traceable; it must be clear from the manufacturer's documents where they sourced the raw materials and where they sold their products on to.