Lactic acid: magic bullet for petfood safety?

With the advent of the Food Safety Modernization Act, manufacturers of extruded and baked petfood and pet treats feel like they have their necks under a knife’s edge. To some, that may seem overly dramatic, especially given the blade at their neck is held by the smallest of creatures: Salmonella.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

June 11, 2012

With the advent of the Food Safety Modernization Act, manufacturers of extruded and baked petfood and pet treats feel like they have their necks under a knife’s edge. To some, that may seem overly dramatic, especially given the blade at their neck is held by the smallest of creatures: Salmonella.

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According to some industry players, pet food label modernization (PFLM)-related changes are estimated to cost the pet food industry more than $1 billion in updates to comply with the new requirements.

PFLM: Are you ready?

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Yeast: A possible approach to preventing pet disease

Synthetic preservatives in my pet’s food — no thanks!

Pet owners and pet food companies may not realize what is missing when it comes to removing synthetic preservatives in pet food.

Synthetic preservatives are causing some strife alongside the “clean label” trend, but there are challenges with using natural alternatives. (travelbook | AdobeStock.com)

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Pet Food Quality: A More Holistic Approach to Food Safety

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Learn why addressing microbial risks throughout the value chain is critical to a robust food safety program. Brand Insights from Kemin.

Pet Food Quality: A More Holistic Approach to Food Safety

Organic acid cultures provide opportunity for natural mold inhibition

Recent adaptation of old technology with organic acids in various “cultures” may provide a path forward to avoid mold production and thus produce longer term shelf-stable foods.

Lecithin: Emulsifier and more

Lecithin is an ingredient that we see periodically on petfood labels, most commonly on canned foods. It is included for a "functional food" purpose but has some nutritional benefits, as well.

Sodium bisulfate: multipurpose petfood ingredient

In the world of petfood manufacturing, some ingredients are used that are not nutritional, by intent. Rather, their purpose is to enhance the nutritional value, flavor or stability of the food. Sodium bisulfate is just such a functional food additive that one might find in petfoods, especially cat diets.

Rosemary extract acts as natural antioxidant

Rosemary extract is a common ingredient found on dry petfood labels, typically at or near the bottom of the ingredient listing. While rosemary extract is generally viewed with favor by pet owners, it doesn’t provide nutritional fortification, it doesn’t provide medicinal support for any specific ailment, nor does it enhance the taste appeal of the food (for pets).

Rosemary extract, a common ingredient in dry petfoods, is the oily resin derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant.

Citric acid suffers from misperceptions and misplaced blame

In petfood, citric acid is a common additive used mostly in the fat preservative (antioxidant) system. Food and nutrition experts consider this ingredient a natural functional compound, which, at its worst, is benign to pet health and wellness. However, increasingly pervasive internet claims have led some pet owners to doubt its safety and utility.

Citric acid occurs naturally in nearly all plant and animal tissues. In our food supply, it is most abundant in citrus fruits like lemons and limes.

Mold inhibitor of choice

Preventing the appearance of mold in foods is a constant battle, and petfoods are no exception. Everyone has experienced the gray-green mold on bread or splotches on cheese; with petfoods, many have had an encounter with "fuzzy" biscuits or green kibbles.

Does adding enzymes to petfoods help digestion?

Adding enzymes to the diet to aid digestion has been a source of intrigue for the petfood industry for a number of years. Enzymes (for example, digests and hydrolyzed proteins) are common in petfood production but are seldom found as ingredients in the diet.

Natural antioxidants

Using mixed tocopherols is not for the faint of heart

Ethoxyquin

Paper or plastic? Republican or Democrat? Chevy or Ford? Evolution or Intelligent Design? These and many others are "defining choices" we face in everyday life. For many petfood companies, synthetic or natural has been a defining choice that has dictated which side of the fence (market) that they will participate

Figure 1. Ethoxyquin (1,2-dihydro-6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethlyquinolin).

BHA: no real risk can be identified

The "ingredient of the month" is the well-known, and often maligned, mono-phenolic compound, butylated hydroxyanisole- otherwise known as BHA

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