Pet Food Safety: Page 88

Proposed budget cuts may hinder FDA's food-safety regulation

Budget cuts proposed by US House Republicans to the US Food and Drug Administration would undermine the agency’s ability to carry out the food-safety legislation passed by Congress in December 2010, according to an article from the Washington Post. President Obama is seeking US$955 million for food safety at FDA in the fiscal year that starts October 1.

FDA seeks public comment on Food Safety Modernization Act

The US Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comments and recommendations on measures relating to the Food Safety Modernization Act, which requires manufacturers of food and animal feed to implement measures for safe production and mitigation of risks. The deadline for comment is August 22, and FDA said it expects the proposed rule to be published in fall 2011.

Bravo! recalls pig ear chew pet treats for Salmonella contamination

Bravo! issued a voluntary recall for select boxes of Bravo! pig ears chews because of the potential for Salmonella contamination. The recalled Bravo! pig ears were distributed to retailers on the East and West Coasts of the US between January 1 and February 28.

California, USA, petfood company recalls raw cat food for Salmonella

A California, USA, petfood company issued a voluntary recall of its raw cat food because the food may be contaminated with Salmonella. Primal Pet Foods of San Mateo, California, USA recalled its Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula, 4-pound chicken and salmon nuggets (UPC# 8 95135 00025 0) with a "best by" date code of 043112-17.

FDA to hold public meeting on Food Safety Modernization Act in June

The US Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting on June 6 to discuss the Food Safety Modernization Act with feed and petfood companies. The day-long meeting will take place at FDA's campus in White Oak, Maryland, USA.

Biomin survey finds mycotoxins present in raw materials and feed

Biomin conducted a survey on the presence of mycotoxins in raw materials and animal feed, which found that mycotoxins are, more often than not, present. Out of the more than 3,300 samples tested during the 12-month period from January to December 2010, 78% tested positive for mycotoxin presence.

Two petfood companies issue pig ear dog treat recall

Two additional petfood companies issued recalls for pig ear dog treats after Illinois, USA-based supplier, Keys Manufacturing, found that a batch of the pet chews tested positive for Salmonella. Boss Pet Products recalled its Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats, which were distributed from November 2010 through April 2011, in the following states: Montana, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Minnesota, USA.

FDA issues regulations for importing petfood ingredients

In May, the Food and Drug Administration announced two new regulations to help ensure the safety and security of foods and petfoods in the US. The rules are the first to be issued by FDA under the authorities granted by the Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law by President Obama in January. Both rules will take effect July 3, 2011.

Pet Food Safety

Misunderstanding of petfood regulations rife on Web

The Internet is certainly replete with opinions about commercial petfoods and their regulation. Much of what’s on the Web is extremely disparaging of both the industry and government.

Dog deaths linked in South Africa petfood scare

The Pet Institute of South Africa reported that at least 21 dogs have died from eating contaminated dry dog food. The dogs were diagnosed by the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute in Gauteng, South Africa, as having died of aflatoxocosis.

Pet Food Safety

Emerging food safety technologies

Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes are three words that instantly grow gray hairs on the heads of every petfood manufacturer. The health of your customers, both furry and otherwise, has to be your top priority. The only way to stay vigilant is to take the proper precautions by using the most innovative technology from reliable sources.

Intervention tools that can assure that your finished petfood and treat products are pathogen free are essential.

FDA to host public meeting on Food Safety Modernization Act

The US Food and Drug Administration will host a public meeting on the recently enacted Food Safety Modernization Act, allowing those interested to discuss implementing preventative controls in petfood facilities. The meeting, "FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Focus on Preventative Controls for Factilites," will give FDA the chance to discuss information on preventative controls used by facilities to identify and address hazards associated with specific types of food and specific processes.

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