Safety & Quality: Page 104

Pet Food Market

Petfood not a factor after all in latest non-GMO legislative failure

A ballot initiative to require many foods and beverages that contain genetically modified ingredients sold in the state of Washington to carry labels failed to pass during November 5 elections, with 55% of voters opposed to the measure. Though earlier news reports claimed petfood was being used as an example by both supporters and opponents of the initiative, petfood-related debates seemed to fade down the stretch, replaced by arguments over cost, health benefits and labeling of human foods. And unlike with a similar proposed law in California last year that was also defeated, petfood industry organizations appeared not to engage in the Washington battle with either words or money.

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Pet Food Regulations

AAFCO Official Publication goes online

Any petfood manufacturer distributing product in the US needs to be familiar with the contents of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication (OP) to formulate and label products to be in compliance with the regulations of most states. As mentioned in my October Petfood Industry column, an online version of the OP is now available.

Bailey's Choice Dog Treats issues recall of chicken treats for possible Salmonella contamination

Bailey's Choice Dog Treats LLC of Waleska, Georgia, USA, is recalling packages of dog treats due to possible Salmonella contamination, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The company is recalling packages of chicken treats in various size packages marked with lot number #132881 and expiration date February 2014, as well as 5-ounce bags of chicken jerky treats with a lot number of "Jun 5 2013."

Pet Food Safety

Petfood safety purrs and growls for 2013

The recent release of the proposed feed/petfood preventive control rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) caps a year of news, progress, regress and concerns about petfood safety in the US, making this a fitting time to assign accolades and criticisms to entities and people involved.

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.

Register for free Microbiological Diagnostics Validation webinar on November 22

Register for the free webinar, Microbiological Diagnostics Validation - the information that you really need to know, which will be held Friday, November 22 at 9 a.m. CT. This webinar will focus on the information and challenges involved with the selection and validation of microbiological diagnostic platforms for the detection of bacterial pathogens (Salmonella) in petfood ingredients, the processing environment and finished products.

The free Microbiological Diagnostics Validation webinar will be presented by Trouw Nutrition on November 22.

FDA issues proposed preventative control rules for petfood, animal feed

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 25 issued the proposed rule on Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The regulations would apply to all domestic and imported animal feed, including petfood and treats, and the raw ingredients in those products.

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.

Market Trends and Reports

Food & Water Watch responds to FDA update on jerky pet treat investigation

Food & Water Watch, a group whose goal is to ensure sustainable and safe food for consumption, issued a statement following the October 22 release of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s update to its investigation into pet illnesses and jerky treats from China. According to Food & Water Watch: "[October 22], the Food and Drug Administration posted a long-awaited update on the agency’s investigation into unsafe imported pet treats and illnesses in dogs linked to these treats.

Market Trends and Reports

FDA issues update on investigation of jerky pet treats from China, pet illnesses

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released on October 22 an update to its investigation into pet illnesses and deaths associated with jerky pet treats from China. The update includes a description of the extent of the agency's testing and current findings, as well as a "Dear Veterinarian" letter and "Fact Sheet" for pet owners.

FDA is warning consumers about the potential for illness associated with feeding pets jerky treats, mostly imported from China.

Registration opens for Petfood Forum and Petfood Workshop 2014

Registration is open for Petfood Forum 2014, scheduled for March 31-April 2, and Petfood Workshop: Marketing to Today’s Consumers, April 2-3.

Logistics issues for petfood companies in growth mode

Even recalls due to circumstances beyond a company’s control, or stemming from a problem initiated by a vendor, are unwelcome. A recall can damage valuable assets such as brand image and integrity, both of which are only earned after years of hard work, and of course the petfood industry is no stranger to recalls. Not only can brand image be damaged, the financial consequences can be devastating. Whether you transport the product back to your facility or have it destroyed, multiple complicated logistical elements need to fall in place.

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