About SAFE
Safe Animal Feed Education Program
How does SAFE work?
California’s poultry, livestock and dairy industries utilize vast amounts of diverse commodities and feed additives. Animal feed must be of high quality to ensure adequate health and a wholesome supply of meat, milk and eggs. The amount of animal feed commodities used in California has increased substantially over the past decade, making California the largest manufacturer of animal feed in the U.S. In addition, the number of livestock production operations and dairies that mix their own feed on-farm has risen significantly. The SAFE program provides outreach and education materials to promote good manufacturing practice for on-farm feed mixing.
Outreach and Education
On-farm education and organized workshops provide information on the proper use of medicated feeds, bio-security, proper handling and use of concentrated feed supplements, and compliance with a federal rule designed to protect against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) known as "Mad Cow Disease".
A Voluntary Feed Quality Assurance Program
Field staff conducts comprehensive voluntary feed quality assurance audits in feed manufacturing facilities throughout California. The review of operations includes evaluation of manufacturing practices, quality assurance protocols, process controls, ingredient storage, record keeping, product labeling, and compliance with all laws and regulations. These inspections are designed to assist firms in evaluating their current standard operating procedures and to help implement quality assurance steps to ensure compliance with the California Feed Law and Regulations.
How is SAFE funded?
The Commercial Feed program is completely industry funded. Funds come from license fees and a tax paid on each ton of feed sold to livestock producers in the state.
Safe Animal Feed Education
Commercial Feed Regulatory Program
Livestock Drug Program
Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship