Why FeedSafe Accreditation Matters

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As CEO of Beachport Liquid Minerals, I’m often asked why we invest so much time, money and focus into quality assurance, and why our FeedSafe accreditation is such an important part of that. For us, FeedSafe isn’t a sticker on a drum. It’s a daily commitment to how we operate and the level of responsibility we hold to livestock, producers, and the wider red meat and wool industries.

What FeedSafe is, and why it matters

FeedSafe is the Australian stockfeed industry’s quality assurance program, developed by the Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia (SFMCA). Built on a HACCP framework, it sets national standards to reduce risk in the manufacture and use of animal feeds and supplements.

To be accredited, manufacturers must meet strict requirements for:

  • Ingredient sourcing and verification
  • Process control and batching accuracy
  • Storage, sanitation and cross-contamination prevention
  • Traceability and documentation
  • Staff training and manufacturing hygiene

At Beachport, these principles align with the way we’ve always operated, fine filtration, certificates of purity, rigorous QA checks and tight batching controls. FeedSafe adds independent verification to those standards, giving our customers confidence that our internal processes aren’t just good, they’re benchmarked at national best practice.

Why producers care: trust, risk reduction and market confidence

When a producer chooses a supplement, they’re trusting that product to support animal health, performance and their own business reputation. Ingredient mistakes, contamination or poor hygiene can have serious consequences, from health issues to residue risk to lost market access.

FeedSafe reduces that risk by mandating:

  • Verified, compliant raw materials
  • Clean, controlled manufacturing conditions
  • Documentation and traceability for every batch
  • Systems that minimise error and protect animal health

For customers supplying branded beef programs, export markets or audited schemes, the reassurance of a FeedSafe-accredited manufacturer ensures there is no weak link in their QA chain.

How FeedSafe strengthens our manufacturing systems

FeedSafe supports our broader commitment to quality in three core areas:

1. Ingredient integrity
We require certificates of purity and fine filtration across all products, and FeedSafe formalises supplier approvals, specifications and the handling of non-conforming materials.

2. Process control
Accurate batching, calibration and documentation ensure the consistency producers rely on, whether they’re using our products in northern breeder programs or southern sheep operations.

3. Health, hygiene & plant standards
Clean-in/clean-out procedures, pest management, segregation and contamination controls ensure every drum is produced in a facility that takes livestock and food safety seriously.

Supporting quality-assured market programs

Many of our customers supply premium, audited and export markets. FeedSafe aligns with the requirements of those programs, helping ensure:

  • Supplements don’t compromise QA status
  • Customers maintain integrity across the entire supply chain
  • Producers can meet rising expectations for transparency and quality

Industry leadership: setting a higher standard

Accreditation isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about leadership. As an industry, we must continually lift manufacturing standards, share best practice and remain transparent so producers can make informed choices.

Alongside FeedSafe, our quality platform also includes:

  • Independent NATA-accredited analysis on every batch
  • Participation in peak industry groups and QA forums
  • Science-driven formulations using trace elements, amino acids and electrolytes

FeedSafe strengthens and validates that commitment.

What FeedSafe means for Beachport customers, in practical terms

For producers, this accreditation delivers several clear, day-to-day benefits:

  • Confidence in what’s in the drum: Ingredients, concentrations and quality are verified and audited.
  • Consistency from batch to batch: Products behave as expected, crucial in seasonal and nutritional swings.
  • Lower risk of contamination or error: Systems, training and hygiene standards minimise mistakes and respond quickly if needed.
  • Alignment with QA and market requirements: Supports your own QA story, from branded beef programs to processor expectations.
  • A manufacturer that takes responsibility seriously: FeedSafe reinforces our role in animal welfare, food safety and supply chain integrity.

Looking ahead: Why FeedSafe will only grow in importance

Expectations around food safety, traceability and responsible manufacturing are only increasing. FeedSafe provides a shared national benchmark that can evolve with new risks, science and regulatory change.

For us, staying FeedSafe accredited isn’t optional. It’s core to how we operate and how we support our customers now and into the future.

Our commitment is simple: To continue delivering the highest standards in production, manufacturing, hygiene and quality, and to play a genuine leadership role in strengthening Australia’s livestock supplementation industry.