In Tanzania, specific regulations govern the packaging of animal feed resources. These are, the Grazing Land and Animal Feed Resources Act Number 13 of 2010 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and the Grazing Land and Animal Feed Resources Regulations of 2013 (hereinafter referred to as “the Regulations”). The Act defines animal feed resources as animal feeds, feedstuff, and feed additives.
According to the Act and accompanying Regulations, it is required that all animal feed resources must adhere to and be produced or processed following the manufacturing practices outlined in the Third Schedule of the Act and the First Schedule of the Regulations.
Manufacturers of animal feeds are obligated to maintain a comprehensive record containing the names, classification, composition, and levels of animal feeds utilized in the production of their product. These standards are explicitly outlined in the Third schedule of the Act and must be strictly followed.
Section 34 (3) requires specific identification of the product/food to be consumed by animals (pets), this being among others, the name, full postal and business address of the manufacturer or seller, the name and weight of the animal feed resources packed in it, the guaranteed analysis expressed as a percentage to the first decimal place of each of the constituents, the date of manufacture, other code or reference figures or letter by which the animal feed resources may be identified. Nonetheless, the law requires the product/food should be packaged in containers which are of sufficient strength and sufficiently sealed and the product/food container should be labelled by inserting an indelibly mark.
Furthermore, the Act requires animal feeds highlighted in paragraph K of the Third Schedule of the Act to provide more detailed information about the products, including but not limited to, directions on storage temperature and humidity, registered label with the official stamp or signature of the manufacturer, registration number and the country or place of origin of the products.
The Act also provides for sanctions for contravening the container, packaging, and labelling requirements provisions of the law. Any violation thereof may result in a fine not exceeding Tshs 3,000,000 (Three Million Tanzanian Shillings) and/or a minimum prison term of two (2) years.
By Linda Charles Tongora - Advocate
Joel Kimale – Advocate
Note: This is not a legal opinion, and the contents hereof are not meant to be relied upon by any recipient unless our written consent is sought and explicitly obtained in writing.
