Within the framework of the foundation of LAVES, the "feed inspection service” was established as a specialised department. This was an important step towards intensifying and focusing on feed control in Lower Saxony. LAVES has also been responsible for feed inspection in the region of Bremen since July 2005.  With an annual production of approximately 8.3 million tons of fodder, Lower Saxony/Bremen is the most significant production location in Germany (about 40% of the entire production in Germany, is found in Lower Saxony and Bremen (financial year 06/07), source: BMELV 2007). Apart from the production of feed for farm animals, an extensive, under surveillance feed industry for domestic animals can be found in Lower Saxony/Bremen.

The inspection covers all areas of feed manufacture and trade, including agricultural enterprises. Currently, a total of twelve feed inspectors carry out company checks, audits and samples on site. To ensure a comprehensive survey, these inspectors are allocated to the offices of Oldenburg, Hannover and Lüneburg. The coordination and procedure, as well as implementation, are effected via the central office in Oldenburg. In case of cause for further action, a summary offense process will be implemented if applicable, or in individual cases, the suspension of production in applicable areas.

The official analysis of samples takes place primarily in the LAVES Feed Institute, Stade. Through the co-operation of the other LAVES branches as well as other renowned institutes, it is possible to cover a wide analysis spectrum.

Based on the "National Control Program for Feed Safety”, which is developed with the participation of the States, BMELV and BVL, feedstuff is examined, among other things, for the following parameters:

• unwanted substances, e.g. dioxin, mycotoxine, ergots, heavy metal, chlorinated     hydrocarbon (CKW), biphenyl (PCB) etc.
• pesticide residue
• prohibited substances, e.g. antibiotics which are not approved
• illegal substances, such as animal components in ruminants
• ingredients, e.g. crude protein, raw fat, crude fibre, cane sugar and energy contents
• additional substances, e.g. coccidiostat, trace elements and vitamins
• zoonosis causative agents (salmonella and  monozytogene listeria) and microbiological consistency

The declared objective is the assurance of qualitative high-value and healthy, harmless feed stuff, from which the manufacturing of flawless produce containing animal extracts can be won, as well as to protect animals and environment from avoidable encumbrances.

Further information can be found in the LAVES annual report.

Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety
Dep. 41, Feed Inspection Service
PO Box 39 49
D-26029 Oldenburg

Phone +49 441 57026-0
Fax       +49 441 57026-139
E-Mail   Dezernat41@laves.niedersachsen.de