THE government has directed producers of animal feeds to ensure that their factories are registered and approved to facilitate production of quality products to spur growth of the livestock sector.

Director of Investigations at the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) Dr Zacharia Makondo made the directive yesterday at the end of a three-day tour to inspect animal feed manufacturing factories in Arusha.

During the tour which also involved visiting users of the products, he said it was important for animal feeds to be checked for quality as required by the law.

Dr Makondo said during implementation of the exercise all animal feed sites that have not been approved and registered will be punished by  law, adding that the agency’s zonal offices will facilitate implementation of the matter.

He said after the completion of the exercise in the Northern Zone, it will shift to other zones, including inspection of quality.

Theodata Sallema, an expert in animal feed resources in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said it was important for inspectors in zones to conduct the exercise time after time as stipulated by the law.

Sallema reminded manufacturers and those who package animal feeds to label the products with labels which match the contents in the packets as required by law to avoid cheating.

Dr Rowenya Mushi, TVLA Manager for the Northern Zone, said the zone which serves three regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara has intensified inspection after receiving training from time to time.

“Quality animal feed brings quality outcomes; the government’s target is to ensure that farmers use modern ways of livestock keeping for better profits,” she said.

Some of the users of the products commended TVLA for training them on the matter, saying it was an eye opener.

The agency expects to continue to educate and carry out inspections in various zones, including overseeing implementation of the law.