OC Raw Dog voluntarily recalls dog food due to potential Salmonella risk

OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA, is voluntarily recalling 640 pounds of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation. This is being done in an abundance of caution, according to the company, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported and no other OC Raw Dog manufactured products are affected.

 

"At OC Raw Dog, we are passionate about our products and the safety of canine and human customers is our top priority," said the company in a statement. "We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may have caused."

 

The voluntary recall is limited to Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations that were packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties, 4 lb. Doggie Sliders and 3 lb. Meaty Rox with the lot number 1819, and use by date of 05/05/16. These codes can be checked on the bottom left corner of the back of the package. Distribution is limited to customers in Colorado, Vermont and Pennsylvania and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers.

 

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Food and Agriculture of a sample that they collected at retailer revealed the presence of Salmonella in a 3 lb. bag of "Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations" Meaty Rox. Another sample from the same lot was previously tested by the California Department of Agriculture and it had a negative Salmonella result.

 

If you are in possession of this recalled product, please submit a picture of the package with the lot number to Olivia@ocrawdog.com for verification. Either dispose of the product immediately or return the product to the retailer where you purchased it for a replacement product.

 

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS (3647) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. PST.

Economic crisis in Venezuela leaves pet food shelves empty

The economic crisis in Venezuela isn’t only affecting human supplies of food and medicine, but pet shops also are struggling to keep their shelves stocked.
A combination of falling oil prices and a decaying state-led economic model has the country suffering chronic product shortages, according to a report.
Feed manufacturers have had to slow or halt operations, causing shortages in pet food supply.
Police departments are rationing their food for their police dogs, as are pet owners. Animal shelters have had trouble finding homes for stray dogs and cats, as well.
Purina’s Venezuelan division says it had reduced the variety of pet food products it offers to maximize its scarce raw materials and continue supplying the market. Purina says its local production has returned to full capacity after raw materials shortages forced it to slow output recently.

Speakers selected for Petfood Innovation Workshop

Highly esteemed speakers have been selected to give presentations at the Petfood Innovation Workshop & Kansas State's Pet Food Experience including experts from Kansas State University faculty and more.
To be held on October, 28-30, 2015, at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, USA, this multi-day event is a joint industry-academic venture with Petfood Innovation Workshop and Kansas State University to promote innovation, research and talent development focused on pet food and pet treat manufacturing.
View a video showing highlights from Petfood Innovation Workshop, held in April. Register now to guarantee your place.
Sneak peek of featured speakers:

• Dr. Greg Aldrich, Research Associate Professor, Kansas State University
• Steve Kelly, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Commerce
• Dr. Cassie Jones, Assistant Professor of Feed Technology, Kansas State University
• Dr. Gordon Smith, Grain Science & Industry Department Professor, Head and IGP Institute Director, Kansas State University
• Dr. Ken Odde, Professor and Head, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University

New event location

Petfood Innovation Workshop & Pet Food Experience will be located in Manhattan, Kansas, USA, at the Kansas State University campus and local area. The Kansas State Pet Food Program was started in 2012 and has established degree programs, short courses, and research concerning pet food and nutrition. Kansas State University is a public teaching and research institution founded in 1863.

Host hotel information

 Conveniently located near the Kansas State University campus, the Holiday Inn At The Campus has made specially discounted room rates available for Petfood Innovation Workshop and Pet Food Experience attendees. Rates are available at $89.95 single or double occupancy, plus tax, and includes a breakfast buffet.  Refer to Group Code: PET, to receive the group rate. While the deadline date for room reservations is October 7, 2015, hotel rooms and choices are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

AFIA to host FSMA training session

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will host a one-day Food Safety Modernization Act Phase III "The Future is Now" training on Dec. 8, 2015.
The session is part of AFIA’s 2015 Regulatory Training Seminar (RTS), which will be held at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia.
RTS provides an opportunity for regulatory professionals in the feed, ingredient and pet food industries to come together to develop the necessary skills to navigate through the regulatory maze. The program is ideal for regulatory directors with several years of industry experience and will cover advanced topics and regulatory strategies.
"It is important for regulatory professionals to have the opportunity for continued education, learning the latest changes in regulations and honing their skills by working through case studies," said Leah Wilkinson, AFIA director of ingredients, pet food and state affairs. "This seminar will help participants wade through regulations, ask questions, get answers and learn from each other's best practices."
 The interactive agenda consists of discussions with expert panelists about preparation for U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspections, training exercises concerning reportable food registry and recalls, how to work with state regulators and Association of American Feed Control Officials, and much more.

RECALL: NatPets recalls I and Love and You product

NatPets L.L.C., d/b/a I and Love and You, of Boulder, Coloado, USA, is expanding its voluntary recall of cow-boom! strips – beef gullet because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
There have been no reported pet or human illnesses associated with this recall.
This voluntary recall is limited to cow-boom! strips - beef gullet that were packaged into 2.0 oz bags, with lot numbers ending in 4T1 or 5T1, a best-by-year of 2016 or 2017 and UPC number 8 18336 01134 4.
The company has notified its distributors and retailers and is taking this voluntary action as a precautionary measure. No other products of the company are affected by this recall.
Routine sampling by an inspector for the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella, which prompted this voluntary recall. This product is supplied by a US supplier.
Consumers should look at the lot numbers and best-by-dates printed on the bag to determine if it is subject to this recall. People who have purchased these products are instructed to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is risk to humans who handle the product, especially if the handler does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to the product.
Healthy people handling the product contaminated by Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Although rare, Salmonella may result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.
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. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the product and has exhibited these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at +1.855.ILY.LOVE Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (MT) or via email at service@ilypet.com.

PetSmart, Petco eyeing merger possibility?

PetSmart Inc. is exploring the possibility of acquiring Petco Holdings Inc., according to reports.
The two companies explored a merger possibility in 2014, but PetSmart ruled out a deal with Petco in 2014 in favor of a buyout by private equity consortium led by BC Partners Ltd. for US$8.7 billion. At the time, PetSmart was unsure a deal with Petco would receive antitrust clearance.
If PetSmart and Petco merged, the new company would account for 30% of US pet specialty supplies stores, reports say.
PetSmart and Petco account for 20% of all pet product sales in the US, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts. The two pet retail stores had combined sales of about US$11 billion in 2014 based on Packaged Facts' estimates, with sales of natural pet products an important factor in the strong performances.
In August 2015, Petco filed for an initial public offering of stock that could value it at US$5 billion to US$6 billion, including debt.

More than 2,000 enslaved fishermen rescued in 2015

More than 2,000 enslaved fishermen have been rescued in 2015 as a result of an Associated Press investigation into forced labor on fishing boats in Asia.
These boats catch fish that are later shipped to the US and other places to be used in pet food and livestock feed.
Some of the fish caught on these boats is sent to a cannery called the Songkla Canning Public Company, which is a subsidiary of Thai Union Frozen Products, Thailand’s largest seafood company. According to US customs documents, more than 28 million pounds of seafood-based cat and dog food in the past year for brands sold in the US, including Iams, Meow Mix and Fancy Feast.
Nestle and Mars have been sued by consumers accusing the companies of failing to disclose the use of forced labor on boats that supply the fish they use in pet food.
And now several lawmakers are looking to address the problem. In August, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., proposed legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in corporate supply chains. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., has sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to put more focus on illegal fishing and on preventing “trafficking and slavery in the fishing industry.”
A multimillion-dollar Thai-Indonesian fishing business has been shut down, at least nine people have been arrested, and two fishing boats have been seized.
The men saved from the forced labor came from Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos and have been identified or repatriated. Hundreds more have been quietly returned home, so the companies running the fishing businesses can avoid human trafficking allegations.

Nulo Pet Food, IRONMAN form multi-year partnership

Nulo Pet Food and IRONMAN have formed a multi-year partnership, making Nulo the exclusive pet food partner and sponsor for all U.S. IRONMAN events through 2016.
“IRONMAN athletes understand the role quality nutrition plays in fueling a healthy, active lifestyle. We believe triathletes seek the same superior qualities in their dog or cat’s nutrition too,” says Michael Landa, CEO of Nulo Pet Food. “Nulo’s partnership with IRONMAN allows us to educate fellow athletes and pet parents about the benefits of Nulo’s ingredients – in an atmosphere that is fun, inspiring, and celebrated by so many pet lovers.”
“The IRONMAN organization is thrilled to partner with such a unique pet food company like Nulo. Their dedication to pet nutrition and promotion of healthy lifestyles breathes a new perspective into supporting our entire IRONMAN community,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of IRONMAN. “We look forward to helping them activate their brand across our many race venues and in inspiring IRONMAN competitors everywhere to take greater care of their extended families.”
“For so many athletes, our dogs are our best friends and sometimes training partners. Just like our own diets, the types of protein, carbohydrates, and ingredients that we feed our dog or cat matter to their health and recovery,” says Landa. “We thank IRONMAN for aligning their brand with Nulo and for teaming with us to become evangelists for better pet nutrition.”
 Nulo Pet Food started when its founder, Michael Landa, a former All-American swimmer with a long history in professional pet care and education, began to see an escalation in overweight pets and unhealthy lifestyles. A study of 6,000 dog and cat households confirmed the alarming trend – pets were essentially living in a “fast food nation.” Determined to create a better pet food line, Landa worked hand-in-hand with leading scientists to develop Nulo’s nutritional platform and grain-free formulas – all with high animal-based proteins, low carb & low glycemic ingredients and a patented probiotic.

Groups taking action against slave labor on fishing boats

After recent reports on the use of slave labor aboard fishing boats in Asia that catch fish that are later shipped to the US and other places to be used in pet food and livestock feed, several groups are taking action.
Nestle and Mars have been sued by consumers accusing the companies of failing to disclose the use of forced labor on boats that supply the fish they use in pet food.
And now several lawmakers are looking to address the problem. In August, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., proposed legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in corporate supply chains. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., has sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to put more focus on illegal fishing and on preventing “trafficking and slavery in the fishing industry.”
Some of the fish caught on these boats is sent to a cannery called the Songkla Canning Public Company, which is a subsidiary of Thai Union Frozen Products, Thailand’s largest seafood company. According to US customs documents, more than 28 million pounds of seafood-based cat and dog food in the past year for brands sold in the US, including Iams, Meow Mix and Fancy Feast.
Thai Union Frozen Products says it “will not tolerate any human trafficking or any human rights violation of any kind,” and that it regularly audits its canneries and boats in port to ensure against forced and child labor.
Thai Union says it plans to audit all of its suppliers to check for labor abuses by December.
“Thai Union is completely committed to eradicating human trafficking in any and every part of our supply chain,” a company spokeswoman said in a report.

Alltech to award fully funded positions to contest winners

The prize package has been sweetened for winners of the annual Alltech Young Scientist program. Beginning in 2016, the world’s largest university-level competition in agriscience will not only publicly honor the overall champions for their scientific discoveries with trophies and cash awards, but will offer fully funded Ph.D. and post-doctorate positions to the global undergraduate and graduate winners.
“The Alltech Young Scientist program has uncovered some of the best and brightest emerging research talent in agriscience, and Alltech wants these leaders to join our team,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.
The Alltech Young Scientist program, now in its 11th year, received more than 8,800 student registrations for the 2015 term.
Registration is open for the 2016 competition and will close on October 31, 2015. Students must be nominated by a professor in order to participate and may submit scientific papers on topics such as animal health and nutrition, crop science, agriculture analytical methods, food chain safety and traceability, human health and nutrition and other agriscience-related sectors. Paper submission may be completed online until Dec. 31, 2015.
 Each student’s paper will first compete within their home region of North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific or Europe/Africa. The finalists from all four regions will be invited to attend an all-expense-paid Alltech Young Scientist Discovery Week in Lexington, Kentucky, where they will compete in the global competition. Each finalist will present his or her paper to a panel of international judges and a live audience during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, May 22-25, 2016.

Thiele Technologies acquires products from Pitney Bowes

Larry Smith, president and CEO of Thiele Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of high‐speed integrated packaging equipment solutions headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has announced the acquisition of select products from Pitney Bowes formerly marketed as Pitney Bowes Direct Mail Solutions and Sure‐Feed Engineering.
According to John Curie, general manager of Thiele Technologies’ Feeder Business Unit, “We couldn’t be more pleased to add the Sure‐Feed Product Line to our industry leading product offerings. The combination of the Streamfeeder and Sure‐Feed Product Lines will provide excellent value for all of our customers by expanding our product offerings.”
Established more than a decade ago, the Sure‐Feed Product Line has provided innovative, quality friction feeder solutions for customers in a variety of industries worldwide. Since 2007, it has been part of the Direct Mail Solutions business segment at Pitney Bowes, a $4 billion global provider of integrated mail, messaging and document management solutions headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The company serves more than 2 million businesses of all sizes in more than 130 countries through dealer and direct operations.
Thiele Technologies, a division of Barry‐Wehmiller Cos. Inc., was formed as an operating group in 1998 through the acquisition of Bemis Packaging Machinery Co. and the subsequent integration of Thiele Engineering Co., Master Palletizer, Frontier Equipment, Edmeyer, Slidell, Streamfeeder, SWF Cos. Inc., Nigrelli Systems, Hudson‐Sharp Machine Co., and SYMACH. Combining more than 100 years of experience, Thiele has become a well‐balanced global supplier of packaging machinery systems and solutions, providing a full complement of equipment for high‐speed bag filling and palletizing, case packaging and palletizing, cartoning, bundling, pre‐made bag and pouch, and placing/feeding solutions.

AFIA pleased with final rule on CGMPs for animal food

Upon the release of the Food Safety Modernization Act "Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls for Food for Animals" final rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has provided the following statement based on its initial reaction and brief overview.
"AFIA is pleased with how transparent FDA has remained throughout this entire rulemaking process. This has been no easy endeavor for the agency and they should be commended. The rule's finalization will now allow AFIA to move forward with preparing our members and the industry for implementation of the largest change to animal food regulation since the 1950s.
"Upon brief review, AFIA is pleased FDA followed through with our request for a phase-in approach to implementation, giving all animal food manufacturing facilities additional time to execute CGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) first, followed by the hazard analysis and preventive controls. The phase-in process, as we have said all along, benefits everyone. It allows firms more time for adjustment to basic program requirements such as CGMPs before adhering to more complicated aspects of the final rule.
"AFIA is also pleased FDA recognized animal food is different from human food in revising the CGMPs to be more applicable to animal food facilities and addressing the hazards in our industry.
"Due to the adaptation of the phase-in approach and the revisions to the CGMPs, the animal food rule cost-to-benefit ratio is more realistic. Although AFIA maintains FSMA will always be a costly regulation, we acknowledge FDA's attempt to equalize the gap between the cost and the limited benefits in the final rule.
 "With the release of the rule, the clock starts ticking for the industry as we inch closer to the first implementation deadline in September 2016. AFIA will proactively be reading, studying and helping industry implement the rule at their facilities. We also plan to continue the conversation with FDA as this process moves forward to better understand FDA's intentions and ensure transparency."

Report examines pet food industry in India

A new report examines the state of the pet food industry in India.
“India Pet Food Industry 2015 Market Research Report,” from Reportstack, provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The pet food market analysis is provided for the India markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.
The report focuses on India’s major leading industry players, providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The pet food industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Also, the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.
The Indian pet industry has evolved into an US$800-million-plus industry. At the top of the food chain rests pet food, with 24% annual growth in fiscal 2013.
Growth is driven by several factors: an increasing number of pet adoptions, rising disposable income, higher awareness of the dietary needs of pets and the benefits of pet food, and the booming population of the Indian middle class.
In most Indian homes, roti (Indian bread) and milk initially comprised the staple diet of pets. However, dog and cat food has increasingly been perceived as a staple diet for pets. Again, many factors contribute to this change in perception -- dual-income couples do not have the time to prepare home-cooked meals and much prefer the convenience of commercial food. Further, people are becoming aware of the positive qualities of pet food and the fact that roti and milk do not meet the dietary requirements of pets.

BlueWave Marine Ingredients sells majority stake of shares

BlueWave Marine Ingredients, maker of ultra-low molecular weight fish peptides for human and animal nutrition, has sold a majority stake of its shares to 3D Corporate Solutions L.L.C., a US-headquartered nutrition business.
Scott Walker, CEO of 3D, notes “BlueWave is a key acquisition for us as we move forward. It jump starts our marine platform, allows us geographic presence outside North America, and BlueWave’s Peruvian facility links well to our growing Human/Functional Nutrition business.” Walker went on to detail that BlueWave represents strong synergies with some other 3D strategic initiatives, including 3D strategic partner JT Naturals (Joplin, Missouri, USA) in the marketing of BlueWave Oils and Refined Peptides into the booming nutraceutical space.
Michael Mussell, CEO of BlueWave, enthusiastically supports 3D’s new ownership. “During the last 4-5 years, we expanded our platform with strategic partners and four new factories utilizing a proprietary/patented process technology. It is an ideal time for a strong marketing partner and 3D is a perfect fit.”
3D Corporate Solutions, headquartered in Monett, Missouri, USA, is employee-owned (ESOP) and is a four consecutive-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. 3D produces and sources ingredients in the nutrition industries for pets, feed, and food. 3D also provides warehousing and logistics services. The company participates in numerous industry associations and local community events.
 BlueWave Marine Ingredients operates four factories (Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Morocco), utilizing sustainable marine sources to produce low molecular weight peptides noted for their exceptional digestibility, purity, and bioavailability.

Polish pet food producer ZM Lukow to open new wet plant

 Polish company ZM Lukow SA is planning to set up a new wet pet food production facility in Polanow, in the country’s north-western region of Western Pomerania, where it already operates a plant.
The project is estimated to be worth about PLN 100 million (US$30 million), according to Magdalena Olowska, deputy director of sales and marketing at the company’s pet food subsidiary Dolina Noteci.
“The investment has been launched, and under the plan, it will be completed in January 2016,” Olowska said. “The plant will use the most modern technological solutions, and 50% of its output will be made with the use of renewable energy sources.”
The company says it specializes in premium wet pet food made with beef, poultry and other types of meat.
Olowska said that the company sells a considerable share of its output to foreign markets. ZM Lukow’s prime pet food brand, Dolina Noteci, has been present on the Polish pet food market since 2009. Some of the firm’s export destinations outside of the European Union include the US, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, Turkey and South Korea.
Poland’s pet food market increased 9% in 2014, with sales expected to expand by an additional 5% to a total of PLN2.3 billion (US$639 million) in 2015, according to data from market research firm Euromonitor International. With the local pet food market growing so quickly, European companies are looking to expand their production capacities in Poland.

New report looks at pet treats, chew in the US

A new report from Packaged Facts shows that 87% of US dog owners and 68% of cat owners purchase one or more types of treats or chews for their pets.
The report, “Pet Treats and Chews in the US,” compiles online consumer survey data from April 2015 and examines the wide array of treat and chew options available to pet owners, as well as what motivates them to choose one treat over another from their  options.
Packaged Facts says that retail sales for treats and chews reached US$5.4 billion in 2014, and that the market is still growing. Because of the recent safety risks associated with recalled jerky treats in the US, pet owners now more closely scrutinize the treats they buy, and interest in natural, locally sourced ingredients has never been higher. Pet owners also are looking for more “bang for the buck” in the form of treats that provide side benefits such as dental care or functional ingredients.
The report breaks out treats and chews into four categories:

• Indulgent treats
• Rawhide/natural chews
• Dental chews/treats
• Nutraceutical treats

The report provides a broad overview of the market with a focus on future trends, including the importance of product safety, the encroachment of natural products in mass-market outlets, the impact of humanization on the treat market, and growth of functional and grain-free treat options. The report also provides extensive retail sales breakouts along with an examination of the competitive situation.

Petfood Forum China gives new product tips for rising market

Pet food professionals from China and throughout the world learned how to develop products for the US$1.37 billion Chinese pet food market at Petfood Forum China 2015, held August 28 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. The exclusive conference featured industry experts sharing information and insights on the Chinese pet food market, the pet food product development process, the importance of supplier partnerships and ways to take a new product to retail.
Petfood Forum China 2015 was held in conjunction with Pet Fair Asia 2015. Pushan Tagore, director of pet care global for market research firm GfK, started the conference with an overview of the fast-growing Chinese pet food market. His data showed that pet food sales have increased 12.3% this year and are projected to rise 13.5% in 2016. Online sales have accounted for 38% of pet food sales in China in 2015, with that share expected to rise to 43% in 2016.
In addition, Tagore reported that China now is the third largest dog-owning market globally, with 27.4 million dogs (behind the US with 55.3 million dogs and Brazil with 35.7 million), and the second largest cat-owning country with 58.1 million cats, behind only the US with 80.6 million.
Tagore was followed by Russ Kelley of Kelley Canine Consulting presenting the essential steps to the pre-commercial pet food product development process. Eric Altom, PhD, consultant, then described key stages and requirements for commercialization. Serge Boutet, owner of SB Nutrinnov Consultants, described the criteria for selecting ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers who could be true partners in developing novel pet food products. John Stanley, president of John Stanley Associates, finished the day’s program with an explanation of why 75% of new products fail at retail and how to work with retailers to ensure your new pet food product is a success.
Petfood Forum China will return to Shanghai in 2016, again during Pet Fair Asia, August 18-21.

Canada revises import policy for US pet food

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is revising its import policy for processed (heat-treated, shelf-stable) US pet food and treats.
Effective September 1, 2015, CFIA will stop issuing import permits for US pet food, treats or compound chews not containing beef/bovine ingredients. Instead, these products must be accompanied by a health/export certificate issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Under this process, all products will require a health/export certificate from APHIS, regardless of whether they contain beef.
From September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, APHIS will issue health/export certificate for products that do not contain beef/bovine ingredients based upon a notarized affidavit that each pet food maker, their packager and/or exporter must file with APHIS.
APHIS will begin inspecting non-beef/bovine pet food facilities in order to ensure compliance with CFIA import policy requirements. Starting July 1st, 2016, APHIS will issue export certificates based upon the APHIS inspection.
“The pet food industry is grateful for the effort by APHIS and CFIA to find a timely, workable process that meets Canada’s new import requirements without disrupting the supply of safe, nutritious food for Canada’s cats and dogs,” said Cathleen Enright, PhD, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute.
Facilities that currently export products containing beef to Canada should ensure that re-inspections occur by the applicable expiration date.
APHIS and CFIA, with significant industry input, have agreed to new export certificates that are not limited to a single shipment. The new export certificates apply to all qualifying shipments over a seven-day period. These certificates can be used for shipments of pet food/treats containing beef ingredients, not containing beef ingredients, or combined shipments.
 US producers/exporters are urged to work with their Canadian importers to ensure a smooth transition to this new import policy.

Nestle sued over fish allegedly caught using slave labor

Four consumers of Fancy Feast cat food have sued Nestle S.A. over claims that the food contains fish from a Thai supplier that uses slave labor.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, seeks to represent all California buyers of Fancy Feast who would not have bought the product if they knew the fish was allegedly harvested using slave labor.
“By hiding this from public view, Nestle has effectively tricked millions of consumers into supporting and encouraging slave labor on floating prisons,” Steve Berman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. “It’s a fact that the thousands of purchasers of its top selling pet food products would not have bought this brand had they known the truth — that hundreds of individuals are enslaved, beaten or even murdered in the production of its pet food.”
Nestle has declined to comment on the lawsuit, but said forced labor “has no place in our supply chain.” The company said it is working with non-governmental organization Verite to “to identify where and why forced labor and human rights abuses may be taking place” in Thailand and southeast Asia.
A July article in the New York Times chronicled the lives of several men forced into labor on fishing boats in the South China Sea, off the coast of Thailand. These boats catch fish that are later shipped to the US and other places to be used in pet food and livestock feed.
Some of the fish caught on these boats is sent to a cannery called the Songkla Canning Public Company, which is a subsidiary of Thai Union Frozen Products, Thailand’s largest seafood company. According to US customs documents, more than 28 million pounds of seafood-based cat and dog food in the past year for brands sold in the US, including Iams, Meow Mix and Fancy Feast.

Acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands pays off for Smucker’s

The J.M. Smucker Co. reported a 47% increase in sales, or US$628.2 million, in the first quarter, after its acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands.
The company announced a record $1.95 billion in sales for the first quarter of its 2016 fiscal year. Operating income rose 39 percent, to $267.1 million, and diluted net income per common share stayed at $1.14. Its stock price jumped $8 a share, to $117.21.
In February 2015, Smucker's announced that it would acquire Big Heart Pet Brands for US$5.8 billion, including US$2.6 billion of net debt. The purchase marked Smucker's entrance into the petfood and snacks category and expands its overall presence in consumer packaged goods. Smucker's acquired brands including Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, 9Lives, Natural Balance, Pup-Peroni, Gravy Train, Nature's Recipe, Canine Carry Outs and Milo's Kitchen.
'We are off to a solid start this fiscal year,' Chief Executive Richard Smucker said in a written statement. 'Contributions from the Big Heart acquisition and new products were key drivers of this performance.'
'Overall, we are on track to achieve our full year expectations for net sales and earnings, and are confident about the initiatives we have in place to support future growth,' he said. 

Mars Petcare kicks off pet-friendly communities initiative

The initiative is designed to foster greater adoption of pet-friendly community policies and promote the benefits of pet ownership and pet adoption in the U.S. Initial programming in Nashville will include free adoption days with three area shelters, a $10,000 donation to the Nashville Parks Foundation and additional donations to 28 rescue shelters in Middle Tennessee.
"Mars Petcare is dedicated to making a better world for pets," said Mark Johnson, president of Mars Petcare North America. "There are countless studies documenting the physical and emotional benefits to pet ownership, particularly on promoting healthy, active lifestyles. We're excited to pilot this initiative in our hometown, and we know Nashville is a great role model for other communities looking to become more pet friendly."

People + pets = all kinds of good

Together with The  Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition – a leading scientific authority in pet nutrition and well-being founded by Mars more than 50 years ago – Mars Petcare has discovered that having a pet isn't just fun, it's actually really good for you. For example:

• Benefits to pet ownership include reducing the risk of heart disease and stress management, promoting healthy, active lifestyles, offering companionship and facilitating emotional connections.
• Dogs and other animals can also help children cope with a variety of ailments – depression, emotional disorders and even poor immune function, and can promote social skills.
• Pet owners are significantly more likely to meet new people in their neighborhoods than non-pet owners, with pets shown to facilitate friendships more often than in children's schools.

Nashville's pet-focused policies

Under Mayor Karl Dean's leadership, Nashville has become a more pet-friendly city by:

• Opening new dog parks
• Adding more than 4,500 acres of new parkland, 14 new parks and six park expansions in the past eight years, increasing parkland by 25 percent and increasing greenways by 50 percent, with 40 miles of new trails. Additionally, 21 water fountains have been added across the city, each featuring a dog bowl.
• Numerous health events – including 100 Miles with the Mayor, Mayor's Challenge 5K and Mayor's Field Day – have welcomed pets so that people can be active with their furry friends. The Mayor invited Metro's Animal Care and Control to participate in these events to increase adoption and to promote responsible pet ownership.

"I am proud of the strides we have made to become a more pet-friendly community," Dean said. "By investing in dog parks, improving the operations of our animal shelter and partnering with nonprofit shelters across the city, we have made Nashville a healthier city for residents and their pets. Thank you Mars for recognizing the commitment by our community to animal welfare. We appreciate your investment in dog parks through the Nashville Parks Foundation and look forward to many of our shelter dogs and cats finding forever homes through your free adoption program."

Clear out the shelters: free adoption days

On September 4 and 5, 2015, Mars Petcare will sponsor up to 300 adoptions at three Pedigree partner shelters – Metro Animal Care and Control (Davidson County), Williamson County Animal Shelter and Nashville Humane Association – in an effort to find all of these pets a forever home.
 Representatives from Banfield Pet Hospital – the largest privately owned veterinary practice in the U.S. – and the American Humane Association's "Red Star Rescue Rig," sponsored by Mars Petcare US, will also be on-site to hand out information, answer questions and provide additional support. The Red Star Rescue Rig is an 82-foot-long truck fully equipped to handle disasters and provide on-the-ground rescue services for animals.

Purina searching for men who love cats

Purina Pro Plan is shredding perceptions of traditional cat food and who typically loves cats by launching the Purina Pro Plan #MenAndCatsContest to celebrate the new Savor Shredded Blend.
Purina Pro Plan is working to change the perception of dry cat food by introducing the new Savor Shredded Blend, an all-new mealtime experience that combines crunchy kibble and tender meaty shreds to provide extraordinary nutrition and exceptional taste.
In order to change how people think of who typically loves cats, Purina Pro Plan is partnering with proud cat guy and "Devious Maids" actor Gilles Marini to search for extraordinary men who own and love cats. We are asking that people nominate the cat guys in their lives or that those extraordinary cat guys out there enter themselves by sharing a photo of them with their cat on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #MenAndCatsContest and tagging @ProPlanCat from August 31-September 14. Those men could be featured in the 2016 Purina Pro Plan Extraordinary Men and Cats Calendar and win a year's supply of Savor Shredded Blend.
"I'm a man who loves cats and I'm proud of it. I am extremely honored to work with Purina Pro Plan to launch Savor Shredded Blend and show the world that there are lots of guys out there who love their cats," Marini said. "Since the first day we brought her home, our cat Penelope has become a very important member of our family and I can't wait for everyone to see all of the amazing pictures of my fellow cat guys and their cats."
The 2016 Purina Pro Plan Extraordinary Men and Cats Calendar will be donated to Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue, a network supporting hundreds of small rescue groups nationwide. Group members will be able to sell the calendars at rescue events to raise money for their organizations and promote pet adoptions.
"We're very excited to introduce Savor Shredded Blend as a whole new way to look at dry cat food, and to celebrate that, Purina Pro Plan wants to change the way people look at who typically loves cats, too," said Aaron Williams, brand manager for Purina Pro Plan. "We've seen so many fun photos of Gilles with his cat Penelope and having a proud cat ambassador like him on our team is the perfect opening for men to not only change the perception of who cat lovers are, but to also help rescue organizations across the country find loving, permanent homes for cats just like theirs."
The Purina Pro Plan #MenAndCatsContest kicks off on August 31, 2015, and ends September 14, 2015. Judging will be based on the following criteria:

• 50% relevance (image captures the unique relationship between man and cat)
• 25% composition (image layout is composed and cropped with balance)
• 25% originality (image content is unique and creative)

 For entry details and eligibility requirements and to learn more about Savor Shredded Blend, visit Men who love cats No purchase necessary.

Pet food ingredient market to reach US$37 billion by 2020

A new report from Research and Markets examines the pet food ingredients market trends and forecasts to 2020.
The report, “Pet Food Ingredients Market by Source (Animal Derivatives, Plant Derivatives & Additives), Form (Wet & Dry), Animal (Dog, Cat, Bird, Fish & Others), & by Region - Global Trends and Forecasts to 2020,” says the market for pet ingredients is projected to reach US$37.3 billion by 2020. The report projects an increase in the use of pet food ingredients in manufacturing pet food and rising opportunities in emerging markets such as Japan, India, China, and Brazil. In 2014, the North American region was the largest market for pet food ingredients. The market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2015 to 2020.
Read more about ingredients in pet food from PetfoodIndustry.com:
Buckwheat: a viable grain-free pet food ingredient?: Buckwheat has been around for centuries, but seldom used in pet foods. Today there are just a few specialty foods and treats in the market that contain this seed in their blend of carbohydrates.
Casein: Does it have a use in pet food?: Modern pet food manufacturers are on constant look-out for new and novel proteins and seeking ingredients with high functionality from a physiological perspective. Casein is a protein that seems to fit the bill.
Citrus pulp: An alternative pet food fiber source? An alternative fiber source that has a great deal of research support and could be a good candidate is citrus pulp, but for some reason it seems to be virtually absent from pet food. While this situation may have nothing to do with nutrition, an understanding of what is at the root of the issue and whether there are some unrealized benefits that pet owners could reap from its inclusion is merited.
Nano ingredients: In considering the potential exposure of animals to nanotechnology, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has released draft guidance concerning the use of nanomaterials or the application of nanotechnology in food for animals, which includes pets.