A NORTH Yorkshire animal feed mill has become the first in Britain to be officially non-GM certified.

I'Anson Brothers of Masham has received the Non-GMO Cert ID Standard for its manufacture of compound feeds, coarse rations and ingredients.

The company was found to have a maximum GM traceability level of 0.1pc - significantly tighter than the EU permitted maximum of 0.9pc.

"Many companies claim a non-GM position which is called "self declaration" which is actually like marking your own exam paper," said Richard Werran, Cert ID managing director. "I'Anson is the first animal feed mill in Britain to become Cert ID Certified, which means their non-GM systems, procedures and policy has been independently validated."

Will I'Anson, sales director, said they were very proud to have achieved certification.

"We have listened to our customers' needs and have reacted positively, giving them greater control of raw material and finished product traceability and, of course, peace of mind," he said.

The company, founded in 1900, is also certified under the Feed Materials Assurance Scheme and Universal Feed Assurance Scheme.

It is the largest supplier of micronized cooked ingredients to the animal feed, equine and pet food sectors, sold under the Masham Micronized Feeds banner.