Adventures in Pet Food: Page 48

Debbie Phillips-Donaldson
Pet Food Market
Release of FSMA petfood preventive control rule had curious timing
It would be a stretch to say that US petfood manufacturers welcomed last week's release, finally, of the proposed feed/petfood preventive control rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Complying to the new regulations, once the final version is released next year, will require significant investments by some manufacturers. Yet after months--actually, years--of waiting to see these specific rules that apply to feed and petfood, at least the industry finally knows exactly what it's facing.
Pet Food Market
Reaction to jerky pet treat report proves consumers are still wary, worried
The US Food an Drug Administration (FDA)'s release this week of an update on the investigation into illnesses related to chicken jerky pet treats really blew up on the Internet and social media. While one of FDA's intentions in issuing the update was to ask veterinarians for information on such illnesses they have treated, what mainstream and social media seized on and emphasized were the numbers: more than 3,000 complaints, over 3,600 dogs affected (plus 10 cats) and more than 580 deaths.
Pet Food Market
Del Monte making big push to expand petfood share
Del Monte's announcement last week that it was divesting its human canned food business to focus on its petfood products was quite a bombshell -- at least for me, from both a personal and professional level. As a consumer growing up in the US at the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation, I have always regarded Del Monte as one of those iconic food companies.
Pet Food Market
Is US pet specialty distributor consolidation affecting petfood?
Recent news that Phillips Pet Food & Supplies is exploring a sale of the company, as reported by Reuters.com, may further consolidate an already rapidly compressing pet specialty distribution channel in the US. What does this mean for the distribution and retailing of petfood?
Pet Food Market
Petfood and GMO legislation cross paths again
While the US federal government shutdown may threaten legislative-related activity, such as the pending release of the preventive control rule for feed (including petfood) under the Food Safety Modernization Act, plenty of things are still happening at the state and local level. For example, a proposed law on the ballot for November 5 elections in Washington state that would require labeling of genetically modified foods is causing a war of words that has ensnared petfood.
Pet Food Market
Finished product testing a hot petfood safety topic
Should petfood manufacturers regularly test their finished products for Salmonella, holding them in inventory until test results return? And should that testing be mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the new preventive control rule for feed soon to be released under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)?
Pet Food Market
What sustainability means to consumers (and what that means for petfood)
Sustainability has become a buzz word in marketing and other circles; it is also a concept that is resonating more with the petfood and human food industries as we struggle to find sustainable sources of protein and other ingredients to feed the growing number of people in the world (not to mention their growing number of pets). And we often hear that many consumers seek brands and products that follow or support sustainable practices. But what exactly does that mean?
Pet Food Market
Petfood executives urge industry to share food safety practices, contact lawmakers
"Food safety is not proprietary," declared Mike Hayes, director of food safety and quality for Del Monte and a speaker during "Petfood Insights: New Approaches to Quality & Technology." The symposium took place September 10-11 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA (yes, Elvis was sighted) and was hosted by Kemin.
Pet Food Market
Alternative protein sources for petfood: are insects the answer?
Increasing humanization of pets around the world -- even in China, a small (but rapidly growing) pet market, 90% of pet owners say their pets are part of the family, according to Mars Petcare China -- means rising numbers of pet owners who want and expect to feed their pets products similar to the types of food products they're seeking for themselves. When it comes to protein sources, that translates to seeking "human grade" meats, poultry or fish and shunning any ingredients perceived as lesser quality, such as meat or poultry by-products or meals. Petfood manufacturers have understandably responded to these consumer demands. So everyone should be happy, right?
Pet Food Market
China pet care market growing rapidly
The global pet care market will reach US$96 billion in sales by the end of this year, reported Clarissa Nicklaus, senior research analyst for Euromonitor International, during Petfood Forum China 2013 last week. With the market growing 4% annually each year since 2008, that means it could top the US$100 billion mark in 2014. Petfood makes up 77% of the global market, Nicklaus said, meaning sales will hit nearly US$74 billion this year.
Pet Food Market
Do you have insights to share with petfood industry professionals?
If you have new research findings, deep knowledge or experience on a specific aspect of petfood manufacturing or marketing, why not share it with your peers in the petfood industry? Consider submitting an abstract to present at Petfood Forum 2014 or Petfood Forum Asia 2014.
Pet Food Market
Human food trend that petfood should not follow: ignoring FSMA
Since the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in January 2011, I have seen reactions in our industry ranging from approval to grudging acceptance to complaints to anxiety. I have even heard anecdotes about a few, mainly smaller petfood or treat manufacturers who say they do not have the time or resources to comply with the law and its regulations, so they plan to just ignore it.
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