Safety & Quality: Page 121

Petfood labeling, petfood safety webinars to be hosted in December

On December 11, WATT/Petfood Industry will broadcast a webinar on petfood safety, sponsored by Extru-Tech Inc. The webinar, called “FSMA is coming tomorrow – what you need to do today” will start at 9 a.m. CT.

How to sample and test for aflatoxin in petfood ingredients

Aflatoxin, a potentially dangerous mycotoxin, has been an increasing concern for manufacturers and suppliers of petfood ingredients such as corn, as well as petfood manufacturers who use those ingredients in their product formulations. The severe drought in the US Midwest this past summer has only heightened that concern and the risk of aflatoxin contamination.

FOSS donates analyzers to Kansas State Department of Grain Science

FOSS has donated two near infrared analyzers to Kansas State University's Department of Grain Science and Industry for use in classroom teaching and research. One of the machines, the Profoss in-line flour analyzer, is installed in the Hal Ross Flour Mill on the University's Grain Science Innovation Campus.

Chicken jerky treats linked to deaths of 360 dogs, 1 cat

Over the past 18 months, federal health officials have said claims of illnesses linked to chicken jerky treats imported from China have now reached more than 2,200, including reports that at least 360 dogs and one cat have reportedly died after eating the treats. The Food and Drug Administration released a few hundred complaints that were received by its District Consumer Complaint Coordinators between January 1, 2007, and July 2, 2012.

Pet Food Product Database

Neogen Corporation NeoSEEK STEC detection system

California voters reject Prop. 37 food labeling initiative

On election day, voters in California, USA, rejected Proposition 37, an initiative aimed at providing consumers with information about genetically engineered food. If passed, the initiative would have mandated that processed foods no longer be labeled as "natural," and retailers would be responsible for ensuring all processed foods containing any covered any covered material are identified as “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.”

No GMO labeling required for petfoods (yet)

For readers outside of California who do not follow state election issues, there was an initiative on the November 6th ballot that, if passed, would have had profound effects on petfood labeling nationwide. The “California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act,” better known as Prop #37, enjoyed an early lead in the polls with over 70% of the state population supporting the measure. However, a reported $45.6 million negative campaign apparently swayed voters otherwise, so in the end it lost with approximately 47% in favor and 53% opposed (at last count).

Pet Food Market

Petfood and food labeling initiative on California ballot defeated

Proposition 37, an initiative on the California election ballot that would have required manufacturers and retailers to label any products made with genetically modified ingredients and prohibited use of the label claim "natural" for any processed food products (including petfoods), has been defeated. As of the latest election results on Wednesday, November 7, the ballot measure trailed 53% to 47%, with 98% of the vote counted, according to Silicon Valley MercuryNews.com.

Recall: Charlee Bear Products' Protein Crunch Bar dog treats

Charlee Bear Products is recalling certain lots of its Protein Crunch Bar dog treat products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The following products are being recalled and were distributed throughout the US in September and October:

Pet Food Safety

Validation of extrusion as killing step for E. faecium

Outbreaks of Salmonellosis and recalls of low-moisture foods including extruded products highlight the need for the food and feed industries to validate their extrusion processes to ensure the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Wellness recalls select Small Breed Adult Health dog food bags

Wellpet LLC in recalling one of its Wellness dog food recipes because a portion of the recalled product was found to have a high moisture content, which may cause the petfood to mold before its expiration date. The recall applies to 12-pound bags of Wellness Small Breed Adult Health dry dog food, marked with a "Best By" date of August 18, 2013.

Pet Food Market

US election outcomes could affect petfood safety, labeling

When I was in Shanghai, China, a few weeks ago for Petfood Forum China and Pet Fair Asia, I was somewhat surprised by the number of people who asked about the US presidential election on November 6. I suppose I underestimated how integrated China is becoming into the global economy and political scene, and how much news from outside the country reaches its citizens despite government censorship and blocking of certain media.

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