The importance of microbial control

Irradiation is an option that should be investigated more thoroughly when it comes to pathogens and pet food safety.

George Collings, Ph.D.
April 20, 2026
Colorized electron microscopy image of purple rod-shaped bacteria with flagella against dark blue background
There are options that may currently be underused or overlooked when it comes to maximizing pet food safety.
urfinguss | iStock.com
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In 2015, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was fully implemented to safely control food products for humans, pets and other animals. While some politicians imagined zero tolerance as a quality target, the direction was to create more uniform requirements and practices, quicker action and more oversight internally and externally.

From 2007 to 2015 (nine years), there were an average of 14 recalls per year in dog and cat foods for a variety of reasons (Salmonella, Listeria, vitamin D, mycotoxins, melamine and a few other nutritional reasons). From 2016 to 2025 (10 years) there were an average of 13 recalls per year for similar reasons (minus the melamine issue).

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