Our services and quality systems

KAT

KAT is a German organisation that monitors the production of eggs of alternative and current origin from Germany and the surrounding EU countries. For laying companies, packing stations, as well as compound feed companies, specific standards and requirements are laid down in the “KAT Kriterien.”

What is KAT?
The basis of all KAT requirements are the EU directives and regulations and the marketing standards for eggs. But KAT’s requirements go beyond the legal criteria. Animal welfare aspects play a central role and KAT sets high demands for quality and safety. Moreover, KAT ensures that all members throughout Europe produce according to the same standards to prevent distortion of competition.

All parties that play a role in the production and sale of eggs that are monitored by KAT, are connected to the KAT control system. Members of KAT include packing stations, points of sale and detergents and producers of egg products. Compound feed producers and laying companies are system participants. Participation in KAT is voluntary.

Special requirements apply to the production of compound feeds for laying hens, for example:
• only raw materials and individual feed materials may be used that are on the approved list of the Standards Commission for Straight Feeding Stuffs;
• list of all raw materials and additives used in the KAT database;
• analysis of raw materials and compound feeds for laying hens for unwanted substances.

The added value of KAT certification for your company
A participating compound feed producer who wants to produce and sell KAT goods must register with the KAT system and conclude a user contract. Participating compound feed companies are included in the list of participants for animal feed companies. From 01-01-19 it is no longer possible for compound feed companies to be certified.

KAT with Schouten Advies
Companies that already have a GMP+ or FCA certificate can often easily integrate the measures required for KAT into their current quality system. Schouten Advies is happy to assist you with this. On the other hand, our consultants can work with you to see how the KAT requirements can be incorporated into the quality system tailored to your company.

In addition to a guarantee of the origin and traceability of the product, the increasing number of social and legal requirements with regard to animal welfare, local purchasing and feed safety is constantly gaining importance. As a member of the KAT system you meet these growing demands. As a member of KAT you are part of a full traceability and quality assurance system and you can therefore make a credible promise to your business partners and consumers regarding quality, transparency and safety.

KAT training and secondment
Our consultants are regularly detached to animal feed companies to support and shape their quality policy. For example, we can help with the internal training of staff or we can help if you are short of hands. Contact Schouten Advies to discuss the options for posting.

In addition, we provide training on various animal feed topics to keep your knowledge up to date. We also offer training on food, sustainability and occupational safety. We provide both in-company training courses and courses at our own location in Giessen. Click here for more information about our training courses.

We can help
Would you like our advice? We are known for our short lines of communication and will make sure that one of our consultants gets in touch with you quickly.