Helping Pet Food Manufacturers Produce Safe Food

Did you know that there are an estimated 36 million pets in the UK (excluding aquatics)? From Great Danes to gerbils, we Brits truly are a nation of pet lovers. 31% of UK households now own a dog, with cat ownership not far behind at 26%.

Whereas 30 years ago the choice of pet food was more limited, nowadays there are more and more manufacturers and variants in the marketplace. Pet food has become more sophisticated with owners looking to provide their pets with the same health benefits and gourmet flavours they would purchase for themselves. Food is grain-free, for healthy bones and glossy coats. It can contain nutrients to help arthritic pets. It can be formulated for weight loss. There are even personalised prescription offerings for individual dogs based on breed, life stage and any allergies etc. The pet food market is currently worth ￡3.8bn and this figure is only set to grow.

Food safety regulations for pet manufacturers

Pet food doesn’t just need to be appealing – it also needs to be produced safely. Contrary to what you might think, rules for producing pet food and feed are just as stringent – if not more so – than for the production of food for human consumption. In fact there are more than 50 items of legislation covering pet food manufacture.

These include strict rules governing the ingredients that can be used in pet food. For example, the levels of pesticides in cereals and residue levels of veterinary products in animal products must be monitored. Regulations also cover food safety and hygiene, HACCP, storage, personnel, facilities and record-keeping.

If pet food isn’t produced and handled safely, there is the risk of food poisoning or severe illness to both pets and pet owners. Raw food in particular carries the risk of infection from listeria, salmonella, E coli and campylobacter, but the same also applies to cooked wet food which hasn’t been subject to the correct cooking temperature and time. Whilst pet food is not intended for human consumption, there is the chance that it could be – think toddlers or young children.

However humans don’t necessarily have to consume unsafe pet food to become ill. Bacteria can be transferred to work surfaces, spoons or knives used to prepare the food or even hands. Some dog chews contain raw meat, although at first glance it may not seem so. Therefore by producing food that is safe for pets to eat, pet food manufacturers are also protecting humans. Of course, once purchased, pet food must be stored correctly, according to manufacturers’ instructions.

Training is essential

Personnel working in pet food and feed manufacture require the same training as employees working in regular food factories. Many of the same processes are involved. HACCP plans need to be produced and food safety management systems need to be adhered to and reviewed regularly. Internal audits need to take place to ensure all is as it should be; and pet food manufacturers are still required to undergo third-party audits.

To comply with regulations, several pet food manufacturers and associated packaging manufacturers have attended courses with Verner Wheelock. These have ranged from Level 3 and Level 4 Food Safety training to Level 3 and Level 4 HACCP courses to specialist courses such as Root Cause Analysis and Product Authenticity & Food Defence. They have also benefitted from our suite of auditing courses certificated by FDQ.

Pets are classed as a member of the family in so many households. Making sure that pet manufacturers have the appropriate training in place helps to ensure that the food they consume is safe.