The American Feed Industry Association announced the completion of a yearlong effort to update and grow its Safe Feed/Safe Food (SF/SF) certification program, comprised of animal food supply chain certifications. Beginning this summer, warehouse, storage and distribution facilities can pursue certification under a new category.
The new certification recognizes facilities that handle the warehousing, storage and distribution of animal food and ingredients. Additionally, more than 1,000 facilities that currently hold at least one SF/SF certification, as well as facilities seeking certification, can now refer to Version 8.0 of the program, which incorporates feedback from industry stakeholders and aligns with current industry practices.
“The Safe Feed/Safe Food program has grown immensely over the last several years,” said Megan Provost, AFIA’s chief operating officer. “More facilities are seeking certification because it demonstrates a commitment to feed safety, quality and continuous improvement. Safe Feed/Safe Food certification means that these facilities are at the height of excellence for feed production, storage and transport safety and quality, which is critical for the industry that supports America’s animal protein intake. With the modernization and introduction of a new certification for warehouse, storage and distribution facilities, we look forward to seeing the program expand even more in the years to come.”
The SF/SF program, launched in 2004, is a voluntary, third-party certified program designed to enhance feed safety and quality beyond regulatory requirements. As the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and state feed control officials are managing their inspection programs with fewer resources and heightened expectations, third-party certification programs like SF/SF can help build confidence in compliance and improve inspection results. SF/SF has grown significantly, with over 1,000 certified facilities as of 2025. The program emphasizes continuous improvement, regulatory awareness and risk reduction in feed manufacturing operations. Facilities benefit from certification through improved operational consistency, reduced liability risks and enhanced credibility with customers and regulators.
The new certification came in response to industry demand. No SF/SF certification category specifically addressed the unique requirements of companies holding ingredients in warehouses and/or moving them through distribution operations. With this rollout, warehouses and storage and distribution facilities already in the program can be reevaluated for the Warehouse, Storage and Distribution (WSD) certification featuring a unique, new seal.
The update to the overall program, Version 8.0, reflects an opportunity for streamlining and modernization for manufacturers that pursue certification by third-party reviewers. The primary goal is to foster continuous improvement at feed and pet food manufacturing facilities while improving clarity and usability for companies. While the core requirements of the program did not change, the Version 8.0 program guidance aligns more closely with current industry best practices and regulatory expectations.
Facilities may earn certification in one or more categories: Safe Feed/Safe Food; FSC32 Manufacture of Pet Food; FSC34 Manufacture of Animal Feeds; International Safe Feed/Safe Food and Warehousing, Storage and Distribution. To learn more about SF/SF, visit safefeedsafefood.org.
