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Animal feed premixes refer a uniform mixture of one or more micro ingredients/ additives with diluents and/ or carrier to facilitate their even distribution in a larger mix. As part of the requirements for registration of animal feed products with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), there must be labels or artwork of the product and the labels must meet certain criteria.
This article outlines in details the criteria that animal feed and animal feed premixes labels must meet to be successfully registered with NAFDAC.
General Labelling information for registration of Animal Feed and Animal feed premixes with NAFDAC
Generally, the information on the labels on every animal feed product manufactured, sold, exported or imported into Nigeria must be written in the English Language (may include any other language). The information on the labels must also be prominent, legible and distinct. They should be written in a clear font size and style, with enough contrast against the background, without covering designs or making the text look crowded.
It is essential to note that the most prominent letters on the label should be the brand name, the name of the animal feed product and the net content.
Lastly, if there are any claims on the animal feed or animal feed premix, such claims would need to be substantiated through a field trial.
Name and address of manufacturer
The label of an animal feed premix should be conspicuous, indicating the name, manufacturing address of the manufacturer, and the name of the holder of Certificate of Registration.
Where an animal feed product is manufactured under contract manufacturing arrangement, the name and manufacturing location address should be indicated by a phrase that reveals the connection with the entity e.g. “Manufactured by……….for…………..”., ‘Manufactured for…………by……………..”, or any other wording that expresses the facts.
The name of the person represented as manufacturer under a contract manufacturing agreement may be the same as either the name of establishment under which the entity is registered at the time the labelled product is manufactured OR the registered name of the parent, subsidiary or affiliated company where the related companies are under common ownership and control. In such instance, the corporate name may be followed or preceded by the name of the particular division.
Furthermore, the manufacturing address of the manufacturer of an animal feed product should be complete on labels of all packaging components, i.e. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary packaging, where applicable.
Note that, if an animal feed or animal feed premix undergoes processing in a second country, which changes its chemical or physical nature, the country in which the processing is performed should be considered to be the country of origin for the purposes of labeling.
Product Identity
The outer and inner labels of an animal feed or animal feed premix should bear the name of the product which should indicate the accurate nature of the product.
Where a common name or statement of identity has been established for the animal feed product, it should be used in conjunction with the brand name of the product. Otherwise, an appropriate descriptive name should be used instead. Similarly, where a coined or fanciful name is used for the product the name should not be misleading and should be accompanied by an appropriate descriptive term.
List of ingredients
A complete list of ingredients used in preparing the animal feed product should be stated on the label where appropriate, in decreasing order of prominence. The statement of the ingredients should be prominent, readable and understood under normal conditions of purchase.
Net content
The accurate average net content, exclusive of the weight of the bag or package, of every animal feed product should be written on the label in the metric system. For example;
- Liquid animal feed product should be written in volume
- Solid animal feed product should be indicated in weight and number or count, where applicable; and
- Semi- solid or viscous animal feed product should be indicated by weight or volume.
Batch number
The batch number should be indicated on the label of all animal feed premix, but should not be pre- printed on it.
Date marking instructions
Date markings (e.g., expiry date) must be visible on both the inner and outer labels, and but should not be pre-printed.
Note that, “not pre-printed” implies that the date shouldn’t be permanently part of the label design (like printed along with the brand name or logo), because it needs to vary for each batch.
Storage condition
The required storage conditions should be specified on the product labels.
Brand name or Trademark
The brand name or trademark should be displayed on the label and should not give the wrong impression of the nature, quality or substance of the product.
Registration number
The labels on animal feed products should bear the NAFDAC Registration Number (NAFDAC Reg. No.) issued on the Certificate of Registration in the following format: NAFDAC REG. NO.
Directions for use
Directions for use, including reconstitution, where applicable, should be included on the label to ensure correct utilization of the animal feed product.
Warning and Caution
Animal Feed or Premix should clearly capture certain precautionary statements such as:
- “for animal use only”
- “keep out of reach of children”
Additionally, animal feed or animal feed premix having a shelf life not exceeding 18 months should carry the date of minimum durability using word such as “will keep it at least until….”
The phrase “Not for human consumption” or any statement substantially similar to it should appear in a prominent position on the label.
The pictorial and the age of the target animals should be specified on the product label.
Reference to National or International Bodies
The label of an Animal feed premix should not refer directly or indirectly, to a national or international body, except as prescribed by the Agency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, labels should not be described by words, pictures or other devices which refer to any other product or falsely suggest either directly or indirectly, that the animal feed or animal feed premix is connected with other product.
It is important to comply with these labeling requirements to avoid penalties and ensure consumer protection. Any misleading or deceptive information on animal feed product labels is considered an offense, and individuals who violate these rules may face imprisonment of up to one year or fines up to N800,000, while corporate bodies can be fined up to N5,000,000.
We hope that this article has been useful. Kindly reach out to us with your enquiries and compliance needs.
You may also read on how to register animal feed with NAFDAC in Nigeria
