Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Livestock is extremely important to Missouri’s economy. To maintain viable and prosperous livestock markets, consumers must have confidence in their purchases, which is why the Division of Animal Health has identified Food Safety and Livestock Quality Assurance as a primary goal.

Division of Animal Health employees provide educational programs and information on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems for livestock producers, veterinarians, markets, livestock transporters and schools. HACCP training helps the livestock industry develop systems that will ensure a safe product goes to the meat packer. HACCP training provides basic training in using, documenting and withdrawing pharmaceuticals; the effects of stress and disease on meat quality and food borne pathogen levels, and the effects of livestock handling and transportation on meat quality and pathogen levels.

Quality defects detract from the value of livestock and by-products. Many quality defects are associated with mismanagement, genetic non-conformance, transportation and handling. Reducing these quality defects will produce a more consistent meat product for the consumer. The Division of Animal Health also provides speakers for meetings, as well as contacts at educational institutions and animal agriculture organizations that can provide additional information on quality assurance issues.

For further information or to schedule a presentation, contact the Division of Animal Health at (573) 526-2090.

Feed Regulation
The Bureau of Feed and Seed administers laws and administrative rules designed to ensure that feed manufacturers properly label their products in a consistent and accurate manner. This program annually conducts inspections of approximately 1,400 facilities that sell feeds manufactured by both in-state and out-of-state labelers. Approximately 4,500 samples of feed ingredients and finished feed products (over 44,000 assays) were analyzed in the Missouri State Feed Control Laboratory for compliance to animal nutrient requirements and drug and antibiotic labeling guarantees in 2004. Labels were reviewed for compliance to the BSE Federal Regulations and to the Missouri Commercial Feed Law passed in 1998 that requires all commercial feeds to be labeled not only for crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, but also for specific amino acids and vitamins and minerals essential for an animal’s growth and performance. By doing this, the Bureau of Feed and Seed ensures Missouri farmers receive a product that will help achieve the greatest economic potential from their animals.

View the Missouri Feed Law (266.152-266.220 RSMo).