Testing Animal Feed Stuffs and Pet Foods
Regulations made under the Agriculture Act 1970 control the composition, labelling, additives and contaminants of feeding stuffs and also the methods of sampling and analysis. In addition to the basic requirements of protein, oil and fibre, starch, sugars, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the analysis includes a microscopical examination for the identification of the ingredients of the feed, and the presence of infestation and harmful substances.
Mammalian Tissue
Tests are carried out for the presence of mammalian meat which has been banned in feeding stuffs for cattle since the BSE outbreaks in this country and the rest of Europe.
Undesirable Substances
Feeding stuffs are examined for undesirable substances including metals (arsenic, lead and cadmium), pesticides, aflatoxin, nitrites and toxic plant materials.
Medicinal Additives
Medicinal additives such as antibiotics and coccidiostats are added to feeding stuffs mainly for growth promotion but sometimes for prevention and curative treatments of animal conditions. The levels present are checked to ensure that they are within permitted variation of the declared levels.
Milk Composition
The laboratory routinely tests milk for general composition including fat content, and added water. Samples of milk taken at farms are tested for antibiotics
Our Credentials
Staffordshire Scientific Services is an efficient and reliable scientific service offering testing and analysis, advice and support to customers in the public and private sector.
We have two Public Analysts, twenty well-qualified, experienced staff, based in our Stafford laboratory which is accredited to UKAS Quality Standard ISO/IEC 17025 and is an Official UK Food Enforcement Laboratory.
View UKAS accreditation schedule for Staffordshire.
Getting In Touch
Staffordshire Scientific Services
14 Martin Street
Stafford ST16 2LG
T: 01785 277 825 F: 01785 277 812Email: county.analysts@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council website
