Council of Agriculture promotes pet food bill in Taiwan

The Council of Agriculture recently promoted its pet food bill at the Legislative Yuan public hearing, stressing that Taiwan lacks comprehensive laws to regulate the local pet food industry.
First introduced in March and currently under review, the proposed “Pet Food Safety Management Act” would require commercial pet food manufacturers to provide ingredients labeling and comply with residue levels for harmful substances. Violations of the new standards would be subject to penalties.
Currently, Taiwan's Feed Control Act does not apply to pet food, but only to feed for livestock, poultry and seafood. While the Consumer Protection Law can be used as a basis for litigation, its provisions are often too broad to be applied to questionable pet food.
Democratic Progressive Party legislator, Hsiao Bi-khim, who chaired the hearing, said that a dedicated regulation system based on recognized safety standards can boost the public's consumer confidence, as well as make the local pet food industry more competitive.

Austria Pet Food to build US$32.7 million petfood production plant

Austria Pet Food is building a new 9,000-square-metre pet food plant in Pöttelsdorf, Austria.
Production of dog and cat food at the plant is expected to start in the second quarter of 2013. The plant is expected to produce 200 million cans of pet food annually, primarily private-label products for retailers and pet stores.
The €25 million (US$32.7 million) plant will create 50 new jobs in the region.
"We see a lot of potential in this market segment and from here we can easily supply Austria and the rapidly growing market in the neighboring countries to the east," said Michael Hehn, director of Pet Food Holding.

pet food safety seminar to focus on petfood production, plant design and packaging

Corporate Project Services, a division of Wenger Manufacturing, will host a food safety seminar focusing on pet food processing, February 26 through March 1.
A group of industry professionals will share food safety information as it applies directly to each step of the pet food production process, from plant design to sourcing raw materials, production, sanitation and packaging. The seminar, held in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, will consist of classroom instruction as well we practical demonstrations in Wenger's Technical Center Extrusion Lab in Sabetha, Kansas, USA.
Those interested in attending should return the registration form and payment by January 25, 2013, to Tasha Knoblock, Wenger Manufacturing, via email to tknoblock@wenger.com, or call +1.785.284.2133. 

Research and Markets offers new global pet care market report

Despite economic uncertainty, the global pet care market continues to grow in 2012, with retail values approaching US$94 billion, according to Research and Markets' latest report, "Pet Care Forecast Revisit 2012: How Resilient Is the Global Market?"
The report, by Euromonitor International, projects sales will continue to grow between 2012 and 2017, thanks to the humanization of pets and strength in emerging markets, although retail value prospects were downgraded from previous Euromonitor forecasts.
This report, available for purchase online, examines the socioeconomic challenges facing global pet care and how they can be overcome. The report provides insight into the development of the market, and highlights buzz topics, as well as emerging geographies, categories and trends. It also identifies leading and emerging companies and brands, and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market, including background information on pet population, pet ownership by household and prepared gap ratio. 

RECALL: Wildwood Seed & Specialties recalls bird, small animal foods due to Salmonella

Wildwood Seed & Specialties is recalling a limited supply of its Sleek and Sassy brand bird and small animal foods that contain raw in-shell peanuts. These products contain peanut ingredients recalled by Sunland Inc., which have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Sleek and Sassy products are sold in 16- and 32-ounce jars and bags ranging in size from 2-40 pounds. The products were distributed to retail pet food stores in Oregon and Washington, USA.
The products affected by this recall are identified with the lot codes 01148 through 01241 and have the following UPC codes:


• Garden Conure: 0-1253111602-0, 0-1253111604-4, 0-1253111620-4 and 0-12531-11640-2
• Garden Large Hookbill: 0-1253113102-3, 0-1253113104-7, 0-1253113120-7 and 0-1253113140-5
• Garden Large Hookbill No Sunflower: 0-1253113202-0, 0-1253113204-4, 0-1253113220-4 and 0-1253113240-2
• Garden Parrot: 0-12531 12103-1 and 0-12531 12125-3
• Nutty Garden & Grain: 0-1253115502-9, 0-1253115504-3, 0-1253115520-3 and 0-1253115540-1
• Garden Macaw: 0-1253115602-6, 0-1253115604-0, 0-1253115620-0 and 0-1253115640-8
• Garden Complete Pellet: 0-1253115702-3, 0-1253115704-7, 0-1253115720-7 and 0-1253115740-5
• Fortified Large Hookbill: 0-1253111402-6, 0-1253111404-0, 0-1253111420-0 and 0-1253111440-8
• Fortified Large Hookbill No Sunflower: 0-1253111502-3, 0-1253111504-7, 0-1253111520-7 and 0-1253111540-5
• Fortified Parrot: 0-1253113003-3 and 0-12531 13025-5
• Fruit Veggie Nut Treat: 0-1253114302-6, 0-1253114304-0, 0-1253114320-0, 0-1253114316-3 and 0-1253114332-3
• Garden Small Animal: 0-1253113902-9, 0-1253113904-3, 0-1253113920-3 and 0-1253113940-1
• Garden Guinea Pig/Rabbit: 0-1253113502-1, 0-1253113504-5, 0-1253113520-5 and 0-1253113540-3
• Small Animal: 0-1253112902-0, 0-1253112904-4, 0-1253112920-4 and 0-1253112940-2

No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. Consumers who purchased the recalled products should stop feeding them to their pets and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For further information, contact the company at +1.541.847.6126, from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., PST, Monday through Friday.

Petfood, pet treat makers among finalists in SupplySide Awards

SupplySide, which helps companies in the food and other industries to find information on innovating and marketing their next best-selling product, will recognize recent innovative product launches in the inaugural 2012 SupplySide Editor's Choice Awards.
The Editor's Choice Awards recognize product launches from consumer packaged goods companies in 10 categories, including animal nutrition. Among the top five finalists in the animal nutrition category are Blue Buffalo's Blue Freedom line of grain-free cat and dog food, Clear Conscience Pet's SuperGravy mix for dogs and cats, and Feline Greenies' SmartBites treats.
The winner will be announced during the SupplySide West Editor’s Choice Reception on November 6.

Rachael Ray Nutrish petfood brand launches food truck for dogs

Daytime TV host Rachael Ray recently launched a food truck for dogs as part of a promotion for her Nutrish dog food brand.
The food truck for dogs was launched to celebrate the launch of her new line of natural wet dog food, Nutrish Naturally Delish. From October 18-20, Ray's truck traveled to select locations in New York, New York, USA, offering the Nutrish pet food, in flavors like "Chicken Paw Pie" and "Hearty Beef Stew."
In addition, on-site adoptions of homeless animals were sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society and two of its local rescue partners, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons and Husky House. Ray is also donating a portion of the sales of Nutrish pet food to help animal support organization.

DuPont offers tool to measure impact of changing food prices

DuPont has enhanced its Global Food Security Index, which captures the impact of changes in global food prices at a national level where price fluctuations are felt most directly. Developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Price Adjustment Factor tool measures the impact of changing food prices and income growth over time, in an effort to better understand the root causes of hunger.
“Many factors affect food prices, from rising demand in emerging markets to abrupt changes in the weather,” said EIU global forecasting director, Leo Abruzzese. “The new Price Adjustment Factor tool will assess, quarterly, the impact of price changes on a country’s ability to afford food. High and volatile prices can impact food security by limiting consumers’ purchasing power and calorie consumption.”
The Global Food Security Index, available online, addresses the underlying factors of food insecurity in 105 countries and points to areas for improvement and reforms. Features include:
• The impact of changing food prices on each country’s ability to afford food
• Analysis of key findings
• Definition of 25 global indicators that measure specific aspects of food affordability, accessibility, availability, nutritional value and safety
• An interactive heat map of overall scores and detail of category results
• Adjustable weightings to allow for scenario planning
• The ability to compare multiple countries simultaneously and adjust rankings by indicators
• A country details page that allows a food-security drill down into individual economies

State of Pet Health Report available online to pet owners, industry

Banfield Pet Hospital, a chain of veterinary practices throughout the US, has made The State of Pet Health Report available for the first time to consumers, retailers and pet industry members on a new website, www.stateofpethealth.com.
Visitors to the new site can not only access a full PDF version of the report, but also news, veterinarian insights, and tips on diseases affecting pets, including overweight and obesity, kidney disease, heart disease and thyroid disease.
Pet owners can also check their pet's Body Condition Score on the website, look up their pet's daily caloric needs, look into geographic trends and more to help pets live a longer, healthier life.

Research and Markets offers global animal health company report

Research and Markets has added the "Top 200 Animal Health (Global)" report to its offerings.
The report provides a financial evaluation of the global animal health market.
Using the Pimsoll analysis method, each of the top 200 companies included is individually assessed and ranked against each other and compared to industry averages. The report found that 30 companies in the animal health market are poised for takeover, while 33 companies achieved a sales increase greater than 10 percent in 2011. The report also found, however, that 63 companies saw sales fall in 2011 and 39 of the companies were rated as "Danger."
A full copy of the report can be purchased online.

Blue Buffalo invests in new pet food manufacturing facility

Blue Buffalo Company broke ground on a new pet food manufacturing and distribution center in Joplin, Missouri, USA, which is expected to create up to 150 new local manufacturing jobs.
The US$85 million facility, being built for the company's Heartland Pet Products, will provide 400,000 square feet of space. Beginning in 2015, the pet food plant is expected to produce 30 million pounds of pe tfood per month at full capacity.
“Just as we saw this summer with Coca-Cola and Schaeffler Group USA, Joplin continues to see exciting economic developments, with another national brand like Blue Buffalo Company investing in this community,” Gov. Nixon said. “This is more evidence that Missouri’s stable and positive business climate is helping to move our economy forward, while creating jobs and prosperity for more Missourians.”

Petfood Industry hosts successful first Petfood Forum China

Petfood Forum China attendees from around the world listened to speakers on petfood regulations, pet nutrition, safety and more.

Petfood Industry and WATT successfully held the first WATT Petfood Forum China on October 12, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, in Shanghai, China.
Petfood Forum China's 170 attendees from China, Japan, Thailand, the US and Europe had the chance to listen to a variety of educational sessions, covering topics from pet nutrition to pet food regulation and safety to petfood packaging. The conference was held in conjunction with the 15th annual Pet Fair Asia, which drew more than 12,000 visitors from more than 20 countries.
"The feedback from delegates was very complimentary on the high quality and diversity of presentations for the growing China marketplace. Sponsors stated how pleased they were in the level of decision maker and number of attendees from both multinational and local China pet food manufacturers," said Greg Watt, president.
Dr. Ingmar S. Middelbos, manager of specialty products and pet market for Novus Nutrition Brands, explained to attendees how to add value to pet food products by focusing on functional ingredients, in the presentation, "Healthy food, healthy pet, happy human: How specialty micronutrients and functional ingredients can drive animal health and petfood value."
An update on pet food and feed regulations in China was given by Bian RongXing, department head of the Shanghai Veterinary Drug and Feed Inspection Institute. The presentation provided an overview of regulations for importing and manufacturing pet food in China, including a briefing of the “feed and feed additive regulations on administration” policy, new for 2012.
Additionally, Jia Tong, vice president of Goumin.com, the largest online network for Chinese dog owners, and Dog Sign magazine presented information on the Chinese dog market and dog food purchases, including the demands and buying patterns of Chinese pet owners and the development trends of pet industries in China.
The next Petfood Forum China has already been confirmed for Friday, August 23, 2013, co-located again with Pet Fair Asia at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. 

Design firm awarded for Lincoln Bark pet treat packaging

Design firm Bobbye Chochran + Associates won two American Graphic Design awards from Graphic Design USA magazine for packaging designed for pet treat company Lincoln Bark.
Awards were given for Lincoln Bark's Treat Smart dog treats and Doggie Sprinkles. Open to the graphic arts community, the 2012 competition had more than 8,000 entries. Winners received an awards certificate and will be published in early winter in a printed and online annual design issue of the magazine.
"In my opinion, a large part of Lincoln Bark's recent success should be attributed to Bobbye's exceptional package designs. The products stand out on shelves thanks to their bright colors and fun designs," said Michelle Laing, Lincoln Bark's director of marketing. 

Petfood manufacturer Del Monte donates cat food during 2012 US election

Share this poster on Facebook and help feed shelter cats!

The face of Del Monte Food's 9Lives cat food brand, Morris the Cat, is running in the 2012 US presidential election, campaigning for forever homes for all cats and to provide petfood to hungry cats. In support of Morris the Cat and his potential running mate, Mayor Stubbs, Del Monte has pledged to give back to cats in need during their campaign, through November 6.
Users can visit Morris' Facebook page to download a free election poster, and they can insert their own cat's face to share with Facebook friends and Twitter followers. For each share of the campaign poster on Facebook, the campaign will contribute one bowl (up to 3,000 pounds) of 9Lives cat food to Pets Are Wonderful Support, San Francisco, California, USA, whose mission is to preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for needy pets in the community.
“A future where every cat lives well is Morris’ greatest passion, and it has certainly helped him gain supporters and a strong feline following,” said Sue Resnicoff, director of cat food marketing at Del Monte Foods. “We believe every cat should live life to the fullest and we support Morris in his campaign platforms and bid for office in the 2012 election.” 

Demand for premium pet food drives market for EPA/DHA

Global consumer spending on EPA/DHA omega 3-fortified products, such as pet food, is expected to grow from US$25.4 billion in 2011 to US$34.7 billion in 2016, according to a report released by Packaged Facts.
Demand for products enhanced with EPA/DHA will reach a compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent over the period from 2011-2016. The report attributes much of this growth to the continued humanization of pets and demand for premium pet foods.
Geographically, North America currently accounts for 43 percent of consumer sales of these enhanced products, but Asia-Pacific is projected to grow to a close second by 2016. 

Eurofins offers food allergen environmental plan implementation guide

Eurofins has published a free guide to understanding and implementing a successful Food Allergen Environmental Monitoring Plan to aid members of the pet food industry in complying with new requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Areas covered in the guide include:
• Overview of allergens
• Goals for environmental control
• Where to test
• Tracking records
• Routine preventive measures
• Other topics
A free copy of the guide may be downloaded online. 

Dogs' cognitive performance may improve after breakfast, research finds

New research from the University of Kentucky has found that that dogs' cognitive performance may improve when they eat breakfast compared to when they do not eat a morning meal.
Researchers Dr. Holly Miller and Charlotte Bender tested the search performance of trained dogs after they consumed breakfast and when they fasted in the morning.
In their trials, Dr. Miller and Bender began by depleting the energy levels of all the dogs before the search began by requiring the dogs to "sit and stay" for 10 minutes. This exercise is in line with the results of a previous study by Dr. Miller that demonstrated that a dog's exertion of self-control lowers energy levels and the ability to perform certain tasks.
The dogs were shown a treat that was then hidden in one of six containers. The results, recently published in the Behavioural Processes journal, showed that the dogs that consumed breakfast searched more accurately 30 minutes after the meal than those who searched on an empty stomach.
"The key finding here is rather simple: breakfast can aid performance by dogs," Dr. Miller said.

Subplot petfood packaging designs awarded at Pentawards Competition

Subplot received a Gold award for GO! packaging and a Bronze award for NOW Fresh packaging the company designed for Petcurean.

Subplot Design Inc. received two awards at the 2012 Pentawards Worldwide Packaging Design Awards Competition, recently held in Paris, France.
Subplot's GO! packaging received a Gold award, while NOW Fresh packaging received a Bronze award. Both packaging designs were created for pet food manufacturer Petcurean Pet Nutrition.
"We are so honored with these two prestigious wins," said Matthew Clark, Subplot creative director and lead designer on the award-winning packaging. "To be in the company of design firms like Turner Duckworth, Landor, Lewis Moberly and Pearlfisher makes the honor even that much more special."
Case studies for the GO! and NOW Fresh packaging designs can be viewed online. 

DOG TREAT RECALL: Kasel recalls Boots & Barkley pig ears, variety-pack dog treats due to Salmonella

Kasel Associated Industries is recalling Boots & Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears and Boots & Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats, after a routine sampling by the Colorado, USA, Department of Agricultre tested positive for Salmonella.
The recalled Roasted American Pig Ears product comes in a clear plastic bag containing 12 pig ears, marked with UPC bar code 647263899158. The American Variety Pack Dog Treats come in a 32-ounce clear plastic bag, marked with UPC bar code 490830400086. Both recalled products are marked with lot number BESTBY 13SEP2014DEN.
Both the recalled American Pig Ears and American Variety Pack Dog Treats were distributed via Target retail stores throughout the US in August 2012.
The company says no illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with the recalled products. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at +1.800.218.4417, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT.

New at-home saliva pet food allergy test for dogs released

A new type of test has recently hit the market allowing pet owners to test for their dogs' pet food allergies with just a saliva sample, according to a report.
Although testing for other potential non-food-related allergens must still be done by a veterinarian, Nutriscan has developed a saliva test that can identify 20 of the most common food allergies in dogs.
Dog allergy testing has usually been conducted by a veterinarian taking skin samples of the dog and prescribing a pet food diet free of those ingredients that could be potentially causing the allergies. But with Nutriscan's test, pet owners collect the saliva sample from their dog and return it back to the company to receive results about two weeks later. The test means pet owners no longer have to put their pet on a special prescription diet as a trial and can test for all potential food allergies at one time. 

Petfood nutrition research leads to new pet feeding recommendations

At the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, northeast of London, 150 dogs and 300 cats participate in scientific research aimed at better understanding the nutritional and behavioral needs of pets.
The facility, owned by pet food manufacturer Mars, currently employs 200 veterinarians, nutrition experts and animal keepers. Since its opening in 1965, scientists here have helped to produce more than 1,700 scientific publications and made important contributions to what is currently known about pet nutrition, including the amount of taurine that is considered healthy in a cat's diet.
"We share all our results with the scientific community worldwide," said Jo Gale, a veterinarian at Waltham. "That taurine study has become the basis for all industrially-made cat food worldwide."
For the past two years, researchers have been looking into a new feeding approach for companion animals. Researchers found that dogs should be fed an average of 15 percent less than previously recommended, while cats should be fed 5 percent less.
Gale said that Mars' facility also shows the company's concern for the well-being of the pets there.
"Animal experiments are important but they often have negative connotations," Gale said. "I have dogs of my own – two Labradors – and I couldn’t work anywhere where they torture animals."
At Waltham, cats and dogs live in 24 houses, each with its own garden, with 30 to 40 animals per house. The houses are set up to resemble the homes in which companion animals would normally live. Each animal keeper looks after no more than five pets, each of which gets at least an hour of individual playtime per day. The facility is also surrounded by forests and fields the dogs get to run in. "City dogs can only dream of something like that," Gale said.  

RECALL: Nature's Recipe recalls Oven Baked Biscuits for dogs due to Salmonella

Pet food company Nature's Recipe is recalling select Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken because the dog treats may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The dog treats were manufactured at the company's plant in Topeka, Kansas, USA, and distributed throughout the US. The recalled treats were sold in 19-ounce stand-up, resealable pouches. Recalled treats are marked with the lot codes 2199TP or 2200TP and UPC code 30521 51549. Packages are stamped with a "Best If Used By Date" of "10 11 13" and "10 12 13."
Nature's Recipe says no pet or human illnesses have been reported, but suggest that pet owners monitor themselves and their dogs for signs of Salmonella. Those who have purchased the recalled treats are advised to discard them immediately. Consumers with questions can contact the company 24 hours per day by calling +1.800.237.3856 or on the company's website.

Merrick's 'Doggupy' movement promotes organic pet food

Pet food company Merrick Pet Care recently held a movement with dogs and their owners demanding high-quality food as a play on the Occupy Wall Street movement that took place in the US.
More than 40 dogs and their owners participated in the "Doggupy" movement in Union Square in New York, New York, USA, which highlighted Merrick's organic pet food offerings.
Participants lobbied for a more widespread commitment to locally sourced, protein-rich pet foods, made in the US. Participants held signs with "United we sit, together we stay" and "Liberate the bowl." In addition, producers of the movement, Lipari Production Group, and Merrick also brought dogs from local animal service organizations to participate.
To go along with the "Doggupy" movement, Merrick also created a "pawtition" on its Facebook page, where dog owners could share photos of their dog and enter to win a year's supply of Merrick's dog food.

Preventative pet care encouraged during National Pet Wellness Month

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and The Humane Society of the United States are reminding pet owners that preventative care can help pets live longer and healthier lives as they celebrate October as National Pet Wellness Month.
National Pet Wellness Month is a nationwide educational campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health.
“Yearly visits to your veterinarian are an essential part of keeping your pet healthy,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, senior veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Preventative care allows for early detection of problems and often saves money on overall veterinary costs by treating problems before they become serious.”
Dr. Kellogg offers pet owners the following tips to properly care for their pets throughout the year:


• A Balanced Diet: Commercial dog and cat foods make it easy to provide a nutritionally balanced and complete diet. Dog and cat foods contain all of the different nutrients your animal needs in the appropriate quantities, whereas it can be very difficult to create a balanced and complete diet from “people” foods.
• Weight Management: According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Prevention is much easier to accomplish than treatment, so consult your veterinarian about the right diet and exercise regimen for your pet.
• Annual Exams: Pets should visit their veterinarian at least once a year to check their overall health and well-being, which also allows pet owners to make any necessary changes in their pet’s daily routine and care. A review of the vaccination status and program most appropriate for your pet should also be completed at this time.
• Spay/Neuter: Not only do the spay/neuter procedures prevent individual medical problems, but spaying or neutering also helps curb pet overpopulation and reduces the number of unwanted pets who are euthanized every day. Spay and neuter surgeries can be safely performed as early as 8-12 weeks of age.
• Dental Care: Teeth and oral health should be evaluated annually.
• Senior Pets: As animals age, their dietary requirements and their ability to digest certain foods changes. When pets grow older, they lose some ability to concentrate urine so they need to produce more, and therefore need more water intake. You can help by feeding your pets better quality proteins and avoiding red meats like beef and beef by-products. 

Pet food costs rise in the US, analyst says

The cost of pet food in the US continues to rise at a faster rate than many other consumer expenditures, according to one analyst.
From 2005-2011, the inflation rate, or consumer price index, rose 2.4 percent annually, while the price of many consumer goods rose at an even faster rate. However, the price of pet food during that period rose at double the inflation rate, 4.8 percent, according to research by Sanford Bernstein senior analyst, Todd Juenger.  

European Commission regulation limits melamine in pet food

After recent reports of wet pet food containing melamine levels in excess of the 2.5 mg/kg legal limit, the European Commission created a Regulation to amend Annex 1 to Directive 2002/32/EC, which sets the legal maximum level of melamine in animal feed.
Although the legal limit of melamine in canned pet food will remain at 2.5 mg/kg, a footnote has been added to state that this is on an “as sold” basis rather than a 12 percent moisture basis.
Once passed by the European Parliament, the Regulation to amend Annex 1 to Directive 2002/32/EC will be published in the Official Journal. The Regulation will then be enforced on the 20th day after publication, which is expected in early 2013.

Avure offers HPP raw meat protein on-demand webinar

Avure Technologies offers an on-demand webinar video for meat processors in the petfood industry looking to learn more about high-pressure processing of raw meat protein.
The webinar, "HPP Applications for Raw Protein," demonstrates how high-pressure processing can help achieve extended shelf life, improvements in meat color and texture, improved tenderness and more. The webinar can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdObmz7Mp0&feature-youtu.be.

AFIA to host pet food Import/Export Seminar in December

The American Feed Industry Association will host the Import/Export Seminar, December 4-5, in Arlington, Virginia, USA, to educate and discuss with industry members the regulatory trade requirements for pet food, feed and ingredient industries.
Participants will learn about current constraints, hear regional trade updates, and learn about the roles and resources of different government agencies.
Speakers include experts from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service and the US Food and Drug Administration.
Registration information is available online. For more information, contact Gina Tumbarello, AFIA manager of international trade, at +1.703.558.3567.

Bayer Animal Health offers scholarships to veterinary students for excellent communication to pet owners in a clinical setting

Bayer HealthCare's Animal Health Division has launched the inaugural Bayer Excellence in Communication Award competition to reward veterinary students for strong communication skills and close a perceived communication gap between veterinarians and pet owners.
The competition consists of eight scholarships that will be awarded to veterinary students who display the strongest communication skills during a client interview in a clinical setting.
Junior and senior veterinary students enrolled at one of the eight pilot veterinary colleges may submit a filmed client interview to be judged. One student from each school will be awarded a US$2,500 Bayer Excellence in Communication Award scholarship, as well as a national winner who will be chosen from among the school winners who will receive an additional US$2,500 scholarship.
In addition, the national winner's school will receive complimentary tuition and travel for one faculty member to attend the Bayer Communication Project's "Train the Trainer" development program.
The eight initial winners will be selected by March 1, 2013, and the national winner will be announced by May 1, 2013. Bayer Excellence in Communication Award Pilot Schools include: Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine; and Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

RECALL: ZuPreem bird food recalled for high calcium levels

Premium Nutritional Products Inc. is recalling several formulas of its ZuPreem line of bird food due to calcium levels higher than the recommended amount, which can pose a health threat to birds.
The recalled bird food products include ZuPreem Medium/Large and Large FruitBlend With Natural Fruit Flavors. The affected products have an expiration date of November 13, 2013, or November 2013, and are marked with lot numbers 598405052 or 598405072.
Those who have purchased the recalled bird food should discard the unused portion and return the packaging to the place of purchase. For more information, contact the company at +1.800.345.4767.

Petcurean unveils interactive 'WonderWall' at SuperZoo

Petcurean's WonderWall displays photos to engage SuperZoo attendees.

At SuperZoo 2012, premium brand dog and cat food maker Petcurean unveiled the "WonderWall," an interactive photo mosaic designed to engage the pet tradeshow's attendees.
Designed by Subplot Design Inc., the 12-food high WonderWall was comprised of two 80-inch LCD screens and a 16-foot product shelf that simulated an in-store planogram. The WonderWall included teaser postcards for pet retailers and distributors, large advertisements, attendee and fan-emailed photos.
"The WonderWall is an interactive, live, generative photo mosaic that engaged tradeshow attendees and received over a hundred photo contributions on site as well as from our loyal Facebook community," said Jaimie Turkington, Petcurean marketing manager.

Iams kicks off Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive

Iams pet food brand has began the 14th year of its Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive in partnership with the Helen Woodward Animal Center, running through January 2, 2013, which seeks to raise awareness of pet adoption while ensuring proper nutrition for homeless pets.
New for 2012, the Digital Dish Drive will feature a different dog and cat available for adoption on the Iams Facebook page. During scheduled “feeding” times each day, Iams will donate a meal to a participating shelter for every “Like” or “Share.”
Iams Bags 4 Bowls program will also donate free pet food to participating animal shelters during the campaign, donating one bowl of food for each purchase of a specially marked package of Iams pet food. Additionally, Iams will donate food to a homeless pet awaiting adoption for each person that signs up for Iams Lifelong Rewards program after they adopt a new pet.
“With as many as 7 million orphaned pets in the US, this campaign is a wonderful platform to raise awareness about pet homelessness,” said Ondrea Francy, Iams general manager. “This year, Iams and Helen Woodward Animal Center are looking to donate more bowls of food than ever before to orphaned pets; last year we gave 5 million meals to animal organizations and we're looking to exceed that goal this year!”
As part of the campaign kick-off, Iams employees will celebrate the pet adoption drive with their annual Paws 4 a Cause event at Circle Tail, a pet shelter outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. More than 300 volunteers from Iams and other P&G Pet Care brands will donate almost 2,400 man hours to give the shelter a makeover and highlight the animals awaiting adoption there. 

DOG TREAT RECALL: Kasel recalls chicken jerky dog treats due to Salmonella

Kasel Associated Industries is recalling 2.5-pound packages of Nature's Deli chicken jerky dog treats, which were distributed to Sam's Club stores in 12 states, because the treats may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recall was issued after a routine sampling by the US Food and Drug Administration found Salmonella in finished products.
The treats come packaged in a clear plastic bag, marked with UPC code 647263800208 and lot number BEST BY 091913. The treats were distributed to stores in the following USA states: Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
This recall of Nature's Deli chicken jerky dog treats is not related to ongoing concerns about jerky treats imported from China, according to FDA. No illnesses in pets or humans have been reported in connection with the recall, the company said.
Consumers who bought the recalled dog treats should return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Pet food manufacturer C&D Foods acquires Arovit

Pet food manufacturer C&D Foods Group recently acquired Danish private-label company Arovit Acquisitions for an undisclosed amount.
The deal would give the combined pet food company turnover of about €320 million (US$412.9 million) in 2012, according to Philip Reynolds, C&D Foods CEO. The deal is subject to competition clearance in Germany.
“We will hopefully now have a customer base that stretches right across Europe,” Reynolds said.

Pedigree Feeding Project provides dog food to shelters

Pedigree brand dog food launched the Pedigree Feeding Project, an initiative that supplies participating shelters with free dog food to help dogs find loving homes.
The Pedigree Feeding Project is beginning in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, and Chicago, Illinois, USA. The company's video, "Forever Home," looks at how the Nashville Humane Association is benefiting from the Pedigree Feeding Project and features dogs who found their "forever home."

SuperZoo 2012 pet product show attendance up 12 percent

SuperZoo 2012, hosted September 11-13, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, saw a record number of participants, with 871 exhibiting companies in 160,000 net square feet of space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Attendance to the 2012 pet product show increased 12 percent over 2011, with participants coming from 53 countries, says show organizers, World Pet Association.
The New Product Showcase at SuperZoo made it easier for participants to find new products and gave them a chance to vote for the "Best New Products of 2012" in nine categories plus "Best in Show."
Educational sessions were also held, including "Business Reinvention: The New Normal on Main Street & Every Street" and "Beyond Facebook." A featured topic at the conference was "The Destination Business," presented by guest instructor Jon Schallert of the Schallert Group, who shared his 14-step strategy to transform businesses from a "store" to an "experience."
Representatives from pet chew maker, Pet Carousel, and pet food manufacturer, Natural Balance, also made made appearances at the show. Another pet food manufacturer  P&G Pet Care, sponsored a concert by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, with proceeds benefiting the Pets in the Classroom program.
Additionally, Paul Jolly, vice president for Petco Animal Supplies, executive director for the Petco Foundation and co-founder of PAWS LA, was awarded the Jiro Matsui Award from the World Pet Association, honoring lifetime contributions to the pet industry.
SuperZoo 2013 will be held July 23-25, 2013, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Wet and dry Castor & Pollux Organix pet foods certified under National Organic Program

Merrick Pet Care Inc., makers of Castor & Pollux Organix brand pet food, have earned organic certification under the US Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program for all of its Texas,USA-based manufacturing facilities. The company is certified under the National Organic Program for both dry and wet pet foods.
The organic certification, awarded by organic certifying agency Oregon Tilth, was achieved after an examination of Merrick's supply chain, ingredient suppliers, manufacturing facilities and systems processes. To maintain the certification, Castor & Pollux Organix must adhere to criteria outlined in the National Organic Program, including future audits.
"Our brands and product reputations have been built by the Merrick heritage of using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients from local growers," said Keith Bridwell, vice president of manufacturing for Merrick Pet Care. "This organic certification simply underscores the commitment across our entire company in developing real, wholesome food for pets that exceeds consumer expectations."

PetFinder.com celebrates October as Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month

PetFinder.com is hoping to find forever homes for the nearly 200,000 dogs in shelters and rescues across North America by celebrating Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month in October.
PetFinder.com is urging families to help dogs in need of homes by:
• Adopting a dog or giving the gift of pet adoption with Petfinder’s Pet Promise Certificate.
• Volunteering with a local rescue or shelter
• Donating Facebook posts and Tweets to highlight adoptable dogs
• Visiting Petfinder.com for more ideas and resources
Additionally, Petfinder.com will host two Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month events near the Washington, D.C., USA and New York, USA, areas, featuring adoptable dogs, prizes and more.
The first, an Animal Planet R.O.A.R. & Petfinder Community Adoption Event will be held on Thursday, October 4, from 4-6 p.m. The event will take place at the Discovery Communications headquarters at One Discovery Place in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.
Another Petfinder Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month Adoption Event will also be hosted at Animal Haven at 251 Centre Street in New York, New York, USA, from 12-3 p.m. on October 13.

RECALL: Dog for Dog issues recall of Dogsbutter jars for possible Salmonella contamination

Pet product company Dog for Dog has issued a recall of all jars of its Dogsbutter, following the recent recall of peanut butter made by Sunland Inc. in the US.
Dog for Dog joined the Sunland recall due to possible Salmonella contamination, although no animal illnesses have been reported, according to CEO Rocky Keever.
“While no Dogsbutter products have tested positive for Salmonella, our number one focus is ensuring the health, safety and well-being of dogs,” Keever said. “We’d much rather be overly cautious. We’re not knowledgeable enough in the peanut market, so we just pulled it.”
Sunland's initial recall involved 75 almond butter and peanut butter products and was since expanded to include other products containing nuts. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the recall was initiated after 29 people reportedly became ill with Salmonella-like symptoms in 18 states.
All recalled products may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

GFSI recognizes BRC food safety standards

The Global Food Safety Initiative board of directors announced that the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 6 and BRC/IoP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials Issue 4 have been benchmarked by GFSI and achieved recognition against the GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition.
BRC has been recognized against the following scopes:

• D Pre Processing Handling of Plant Products
• EI Processing of Animal Perishable Products
• EII Processing of Plant Perishable Products
• EIII Processing of Animal and Plant Perishable Products (Mixed Products)
• EIV Processing of Ambient Stable Products
• L Production of (Bio) Chemicals
• M Production of Food Packaging
Over the course of the re-benchmarking process, the requirements for food safety scheme ownership, management and supporting systems outlined in the GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition were compared against the detailed documentation and objective evidence provided by BRC for each requirement in order to determine equivalence.
The re-benchmarking exercise against the GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition represented a significant change from the previous approach against the Fifth Edition, as the document was expanded to cover primary production, processing and supporting activities in a more thorough way, taking a scope-specific approach to eventually cover all parts of the food supply chain.

NBE releases bulk material handling system video commentaries

National Bulk Equipment Inc., in cooperation with Tom Krueger, council-certified microbial consultant and president of Summit Laboratory, have released a series of six online video commentaries. Each video commentary presents the principles of sanitary-specific design and construction for bulk material handling equipment, as well as tips for attaining optimal compliance contribution from sanitary bulk material handling systems.
“I have seen far too many instances where standard equipment designs are simply constructed of stainless steel and force-fit into a sanitary application,” says Krueger. “Then, as validation and inspection times lengthen and outcomes become more unsure, the resulting doubt and downtime from these force-fit systems begins to takes its toll on the confidence and finances of the processing or packaging operation.”
This series of online video commentaries addresses the specific topics of: Sanitary Process Equipment Design, Optimal Compliance Contribution, Materials of Construction in Sanitary Process Equipment, Product Safety in Sanitary Process Equipment, Equipment Cleanability in Sanitary Process Applications, and Equipment Accessibility in Sanitary Process Applications.