When sourcing Silica for animal feed applications, certification matters. The FAMI-QS (Feed Additives Manufacturer Quality System) certification is the global gold standard for feed additive safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. But what exactly does it mean? And why should feed manufacturers demand FAMI-QS certified silica?
This guide explains the FAMI-QS certification framework, its requirements, and what it means for your feed formulation and supply chain.
FAMI-QS stands for Feed Additives Manufacturer Quality System. It is a unique, internationally recognized certification scheme specifically designed for manufacturers of specialty feed ingredients, including:
Unlike generic quality certifications (ISO 9001), FAMI-QS is tailored specifically for the feed ingredient industry, addressing the unique risks and regulatory requirements of animal nutrition.
FAMI-QS certification covers the entire supply chain for feed additives:
For silica suppliers, FAMI-QS certification ensures that every step — from raw material sourcing to final delivery — meets strict feed safety standards.
FAMI-QS certification requires compliance with:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Hazard Analysis | HACCP-based risk assessment for biological, chemical, and physical hazards |
| Traceability | Full lot traceability from raw materials to finished products |
| Contaminant Control | Strict limits on heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), dioxins, and PCBs |
| Quality Management | Documented procedures for production, testing, and corrective actions |
| Hygiene Standards | Facility cleanliness, pest control, personnel hygiene |
| Regulatory Compliance | Adherence to EU, US FDA, and other international feed regulations |
| Training | Documented training programs for all staff involved in feed safety |
| Internal Audits | Regular self-inspections and management reviews |
Censil (Sensil International LLC) holds active FAMI-QS certification:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate Number | CNBJ380053-CN |
| Certification Body | Bureau Veritas |
| Scope | FAM-0673: Trading of Specialty Feed Ingredients |
| Certified Products | Precipitated silica for feed applications |
| Valid Until | 2027-03-25 |
| Status | Active |
This certification covers all Censil feed grade silica products, including: - CENSIL 260PA — antibacterial carrier - Censil 260MPA — choline chloride carrier (micro-pearl) - Censil 260PB — acidulant carrier - Censil 270P — vitamin E carrier - Censil 260PC — fat/oil carrier - Censil 38A — flow aid and anti-caking agent - Censil 1000P — micro-particle flow aid
Many countries require feed additive suppliers to hold recognized safety certifications. FAMI-QS is accepted by:
When you source FAMI-QS certified silica, you automatically meet regulatory requirements in most major markets.
Feed additives can introduce contaminants into the food chain. FAMI-QS certification ensures:
| Contaminant | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg |
| Dioxins | ≤ 0.75 ng WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/kg |
| PCBs | ≤ 10 μg/kg |
Censil feed grade silica consistently meets or exceeds these limits, with typical Pb levels below 2 mg/kg and As below 1 mg/kg.
FAMI-QS requires documented quality control procedures. This means:
For feed formulators, this consistency is critical — variations in silica properties can affect mixing uniformity, carrier efficiency, and final feed quality.
FAMI-QS certification covers the entire supply chain, not just manufacturing. This ensures:
How does FAMI-QS compare to other relevant certifications?
| Certification | Focus | Applicable To | Feed Industry Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAMI-QS | Feed additive safety & quality | Specialty feed ingredients | ★★★★★ (Gold standard) |
| ISO 9001 | General quality management | All industries | ★★★☆☆ (Generic) |
| ISO 22000 | Food safety management | Food & feed | ★★★★☆ (Strong) |
| GMP+ | Feed safety assurance | Feed manufacturers | ★★★★☆ (Strong in EU) |
| HALAL | Islamic dietary compliance | Food & feed | ★★★☆☆ (Specific markets) |
Key difference: ISO 9001 is a general quality system, not specific to feed. ISO 22000 covers food safety broadly. FAMI-QS is the only certification specifically designed for specialty feed ingredients, making it the most relevant for silica used in feed applications.
Not all "FAMI-QS certified" claims are equal. When evaluating suppliers, verify:
Censil feed grade silica is engineered for specific carrier and flow aid applications:
| Product | Primary Function | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Censil 260PA | Antibacterial carrier | High absorption, optimal porosity |
| Censil 260MPA | Choline chloride carrier | Micro-pearl form, excellent fluidity |
| Censil 260PB | Acidulant carrier | Controlled release properties |
| Censil 270P | Vitamin E carrier | Protected delivery system |
| Censil 260PC | Fat/oil carrier | Converts liquids to free-flowing powder |
| Product | Particle Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Censil 38A | 8-15 μm | General anti-caking |
| Censil 1000P | 3-8 μm | Fine powder applications |
| Censil 17 | 1-45 μm | Hydrophobic applications |
All products share: - SiO₂ ≥ 98% purity - FAMI-QS certification - Consistent batch quality - ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 manufacturing standards
Beyond FAMI-QS, Censil feed grade silica also holds:
This multi-certification approach ensures Censil silica meets the requirements of diverse global markets and customer specifications.
You can verify Censil's FAMI-QS certification through:
Censil provides free samples (up to 500g) of FAMI-QS certified feed grade silica for qualified feed manufacturers. To request:
Samples include: - Full technical data sheet (TDS) - Recent batch certificate of analysis (COA) - FAMI-QS certificate copy - HALAL and ISO 22000 certificate copies (if requested)
FAMI-QS certification is not just a piece of paper — it's a comprehensive assurance that your feed additive supplier meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. When sourcing silica for animal feed applications, always verify FAMI-QS certification to protect your animals, your customers, and your brand reputation.
Censil's active FAMI-QS certification (CNBJ380053-CN, valid to 2027-03-25) covers all feed grade silica products, providing you with peace of mind and regulatory compliance in every market.
Request FAMI-QS certified silica samples →
About Censil (Sensil International LLC)
Censil is a manufacturer of Precipitated Silica and fumed silica for coatings, feed, rubber, and industrial applications.
All products manufactured under ISO 9001, FAMI-QS, HALAL, and ISO 22000 certifications.
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