Carnivore Meat Co., manufacturer of Vital Essentials, has earned Food Safety System Certification, FSSC 22000.
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification validates Vital Essentials’ commitment to its food safety program for its manufacturing process at their USDA-certified and federally inspected pet food facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. Vital Essentials’ manufacturing process for frozen and freeze-dried pet food and pet treats adheres to the same safety and quality standards of top-tier human food companies worldwide.
“Accomplishing FSSC 22000 has been one of our top goals at Vital Essentials. Attaining this goal was a yearlong process, as it thoroughly audits every manufacturing practice, record-keeping system and employee activity in the facility that affects the production of our high-quality frozen and freeze-dried pet products,” said Lanny Viegut, owner and CEO of Vital Essentials. “I’m very proud of our entire team. FSSC 22000 certification is a testament to our company’s and our employees’ commitment to being a leader in innovative, safe and premium quality pet food and treats that our customers’ pets have grown to love.”
During the certification process, Vital Essentials’ facility went through an extensive audit process in which all areas of the operation were examined: management engagement and responsibility, GMP’s and SOP’s, supplier and sourcing audits, workplace safety, HACCP food safety program, emergency response and preparedness planning, traceability, validation, verification and continuous improvement.
The FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification provides a framework for effectively managing the organization's food safety responsibilities. FSSC 22000 is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is based on ISO Standards. It demonstrates that a company has a robust Food Safety Management System in place that meets the requirements of its customers and consumers.
Vital Essentials is the first in the raw pet food category in the U.S., to receive the FSSC 22000 certification. This certification bolsters several of the company’s other achievements. Vital Essentials is one of only three USDA-certified and federally inspected pet food facilities in the world. They have earned a superior rating (99.3%) from Bureau Veritas (BV), an international food safety audit firm, and recently received their EU certification, permitting the import of their pet products into Europe.
Showing posts with label pet food manufacturing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet food manufacturing. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Simmons Feed Ingredients breaks ground on Arkansas facility
Simmons Feed Ingredients, a division of Simmons Foods Inc. & Affiliates, this month held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 89,125-square-foot pet food ingredient facility in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
The company plans to invest approximately $26 million in the facility where it will produce fresh and frozen meat ingredients for pet food manufacturers. The project will generate an estimated 78 new jobs.
“The pet food industry requires ingredient integrity, traceability and safety. We’re really proud of the work our team has done in setting a new standard for how ingredients are produced,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods. “We’re excited to see this innovative facility here in Arkansas.”
He added, “We’re very thankful for the support from our state and community leaders. They made it possible for us to keep this project local.”
Simmons was born and raised in Siloam Springs and took the helm as CEO in 2012. Simmons Foods, a producer of poultry, pet food and ingredient products, is one of the state’s largest private companies and employs over 1,200 people in its Siloam Springs operations. The company combines proprietary processes and its extensive experience in food production to develop innovative, top-quality ingredients for pet food manufacturers.
“Arkansas is fortunate to have a company like Simmons Foods here in our state,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Simmons has an emphasis on strong family values and an exemplary workforce that have driven the company to today’s significant expansion announcement. Their business model is an inspiration for entrepreneurs throughout the state.”
Founded in 1949, Simmons Foods has been known for its business foresight, innovation, and loyalty to its customers and community. In the late 1990s, the company began to concentrate on business-to-business customers. Some customer relationships go back almost 50 years.
“The Simmons history goes back many decades in Siloam Springs,” said Siloam Springs City Administrator Phillip Patterson. “Simmons is a great corporate partner here, and having them build this facility here is a huge acknowledgement that they want to be here and reinvest in the community.”
The company plans to invest approximately $26 million in the facility where it will produce fresh and frozen meat ingredients for pet food manufacturers. The project will generate an estimated 78 new jobs.
“The pet food industry requires ingredient integrity, traceability and safety. We’re really proud of the work our team has done in setting a new standard for how ingredients are produced,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods. “We’re excited to see this innovative facility here in Arkansas.”
He added, “We’re very thankful for the support from our state and community leaders. They made it possible for us to keep this project local.”
Simmons was born and raised in Siloam Springs and took the helm as CEO in 2012. Simmons Foods, a producer of poultry, pet food and ingredient products, is one of the state’s largest private companies and employs over 1,200 people in its Siloam Springs operations. The company combines proprietary processes and its extensive experience in food production to develop innovative, top-quality ingredients for pet food manufacturers.
“Arkansas is fortunate to have a company like Simmons Foods here in our state,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Simmons has an emphasis on strong family values and an exemplary workforce that have driven the company to today’s significant expansion announcement. Their business model is an inspiration for entrepreneurs throughout the state.”
Founded in 1949, Simmons Foods has been known for its business foresight, innovation, and loyalty to its customers and community. In the late 1990s, the company began to concentrate on business-to-business customers. Some customer relationships go back almost 50 years.
“The Simmons history goes back many decades in Siloam Springs,” said Siloam Springs City Administrator Phillip Patterson. “Simmons is a great corporate partner here, and having them build this facility here is a huge acknowledgement that they want to be here and reinvest in the community.”
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Petcurean to open new manufacturing facility
Premium pet food company Petcurean is opening a new manufacturing facility in partnership with Elmira Pet Products to meet the growing demand for the Canadian brand’s products.
The new facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for its premium-quality, custom pet foods made with market-fresh meats, veggies, fruits and berries -- all formulated by Petcurean’s nutrition department to promote the optimal health and well-being of dogs and cats.
“At Petcurean, we have a deep-seated commitment to providing the freshest, highest-quality premium pet food for our customers and their four-legged family members,” said Rick van Schagen, president and general manager for Petcurean Pet Nutrition. “Ownership in this new facility allows us to ensure a secure supply for our growing customer base, and provides us with a solid foundation to continually innovate the best, premium pet food recipes that our customers have come to know and expect.”
Petcurean will continue to seek ingredients used in their recipes from carefully vetted farmers, ranchers and producers. The majority of the meat proteins, grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables in Petcurean’s GO!, NOW FRESH and SUMMIT Original recipes will continue to be sourced from North America and as close to the production facility as possible.
The manufacturing operation will uphold Petcurean’s very high standard of sanitation, cleanliness and manufacturing excellence. The facility will be run by Elmira, one of Canada’s largest dry pet food manufacturing plants with a dedicated and knowledgeable operations staff who have broad experience manufacturing premium-quality pet food products. As with other of Petcurean’s facilities, the plant will seek certification by the EU, FDA, BRC and CFIA.
The new facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for its premium-quality, custom pet foods made with market-fresh meats, veggies, fruits and berries -- all formulated by Petcurean’s nutrition department to promote the optimal health and well-being of dogs and cats.
“At Petcurean, we have a deep-seated commitment to providing the freshest, highest-quality premium pet food for our customers and their four-legged family members,” said Rick van Schagen, president and general manager for Petcurean Pet Nutrition. “Ownership in this new facility allows us to ensure a secure supply for our growing customer base, and provides us with a solid foundation to continually innovate the best, premium pet food recipes that our customers have come to know and expect.”
Petcurean will continue to seek ingredients used in their recipes from carefully vetted farmers, ranchers and producers. The majority of the meat proteins, grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables in Petcurean’s GO!, NOW FRESH and SUMMIT Original recipes will continue to be sourced from North America and as close to the production facility as possible.
The manufacturing operation will uphold Petcurean’s very high standard of sanitation, cleanliness and manufacturing excellence. The facility will be run by Elmira, one of Canada’s largest dry pet food manufacturing plants with a dedicated and knowledgeable operations staff who have broad experience manufacturing premium-quality pet food products. As with other of Petcurean’s facilities, the plant will seek certification by the EU, FDA, BRC and CFIA.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Pet food, feed meeting focuses on feed safety rule
Implementation and enforcement of the Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls for Food for Animals, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation most relevant to pet food safety, was a key focus of the 2015 Feed and Pet Food Joint Conference held September 29-October 1 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The two organizations hosting the conference, the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) and Pet Food Institute (PFI), have played a leadership role in providing industry response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the rule.
The conference’s opening sessions were presented by two FDA representatives: Daniel McChesney, PhD, director of the agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Office of Surveillance and Compliance, who provided an overview of how the rule will be implemented; and Scott MacIntire, director of FDA’s Division of Enforcement/Office of Enforcement and Import Operations within the Office of Regulatory Affairs, who spoke about enforcement of the rule. A workshop on the second day of the conference helped attendees understand the rule’s requirements and how to demonstrate compliance.
McChesney reiterated that the regulation, commonly referred to as the animal feed preventive controls rule, establishes current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) for animal feed and pet food for the first time and requires all registered manufacturing facilities within those industries to have written preventive controls plans. After several hundred comments from industry members, FDA also looked at existing industry standards and revised the requirements for cGMPs in the final rule, making them more flexible and less prescriptive because of the wide range in types of facilities, products being made and species of animals the products are manufactured for.
The cGMPs in the rule cover personnel, plant and grounds, sanitation, water supply and plumbing, equipment and utensils, plant operations, holding and distribution, and holding and distribution of human food by-products for use as animal food, McChesney said. He added that it is up to each company/facility to determine which of these might have hazards that need control.
He also discussed the food safety plan, which must include hazard analysis, preventive controls (including process, sanitation, supply chain controls, plus a recall plan), monitoring of hazards/controls, corrective actions and controls, verification, validation, verification of implementation/effectiveness and re-analysis of plan itself. “This rule is heavy on documentation; everything must be documented,” McChesney said.
The rule also includes a supply-chain program, which involves supplier verification activities (such as on-site audits), sampling and testing, and review of relevant safety records, among other elements. The activity and frequency should be based on the nature of the hazard, where it is controlled and the supplier performance.
To help pet food and feed manufacturers comply with the rule, FDA is issuing guidance documents. One on cGMPs is finished, McChesney said, and in the process of being cleared through the federal government’s channels; a document on hazard and analysis and preventive controls is under development.
MacIntire discussed the training requirements of FSMA and FDA’s role. The agency has established a Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, in conjunction with NGFA and PFI, which is developing and providing training to industry as well as regulators. Food and feed safety staff from FDA will be required to attend this training, and industry members will receive a certificate proving they did the training, which will count under FSMA, MacIntire said. The preventive controls training will take three to four years because of the sheer number of people needing training, he added. In addition, the agency has formed a Food Safety Technical Assistance Network to provide central, consistent sources of outreach and real-time technical assistance to industry and regulators before, during and after inspections. Training for that is also under way.
MacIntire emphasized that the underlying philosophy for his division’s enforcement of FSMA is to try and change the culture in FDA, from one of enforcement only to gaining industry compliance. That includes having an open-door policy to industry at all levels and recognizing companies when they self-identify problems and fix them, coming up with different ways to address things. Because of the flexibility of the animal feed preventive controls rule, FDA will not use a one-size-fits-all approach, MacIntire said. That likely means spend less time in facilities with very good safety records and more time in ones that need more help.
Other speakers at the conference, including Bob Ehart, senior policy and science advisor for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, questioned whether FDA would receive full and adequate funding from the US Congress to enforce FSMA regulations.
The conference’s opening sessions were presented by two FDA representatives: Daniel McChesney, PhD, director of the agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Office of Surveillance and Compliance, who provided an overview of how the rule will be implemented; and Scott MacIntire, director of FDA’s Division of Enforcement/Office of Enforcement and Import Operations within the Office of Regulatory Affairs, who spoke about enforcement of the rule. A workshop on the second day of the conference helped attendees understand the rule’s requirements and how to demonstrate compliance.
McChesney reiterated that the regulation, commonly referred to as the animal feed preventive controls rule, establishes current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) for animal feed and pet food for the first time and requires all registered manufacturing facilities within those industries to have written preventive controls plans. After several hundred comments from industry members, FDA also looked at existing industry standards and revised the requirements for cGMPs in the final rule, making them more flexible and less prescriptive because of the wide range in types of facilities, products being made and species of animals the products are manufactured for.
The cGMPs in the rule cover personnel, plant and grounds, sanitation, water supply and plumbing, equipment and utensils, plant operations, holding and distribution, and holding and distribution of human food by-products for use as animal food, McChesney said. He added that it is up to each company/facility to determine which of these might have hazards that need control.
He also discussed the food safety plan, which must include hazard analysis, preventive controls (including process, sanitation, supply chain controls, plus a recall plan), monitoring of hazards/controls, corrective actions and controls, verification, validation, verification of implementation/effectiveness and re-analysis of plan itself. “This rule is heavy on documentation; everything must be documented,” McChesney said.
The rule also includes a supply-chain program, which involves supplier verification activities (such as on-site audits), sampling and testing, and review of relevant safety records, among other elements. The activity and frequency should be based on the nature of the hazard, where it is controlled and the supplier performance.
To help pet food and feed manufacturers comply with the rule, FDA is issuing guidance documents. One on cGMPs is finished, McChesney said, and in the process of being cleared through the federal government’s channels; a document on hazard and analysis and preventive controls is under development.
MacIntire discussed the training requirements of FSMA and FDA’s role. The agency has established a Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, in conjunction with NGFA and PFI, which is developing and providing training to industry as well as regulators. Food and feed safety staff from FDA will be required to attend this training, and industry members will receive a certificate proving they did the training, which will count under FSMA, MacIntire said. The preventive controls training will take three to four years because of the sheer number of people needing training, he added. In addition, the agency has formed a Food Safety Technical Assistance Network to provide central, consistent sources of outreach and real-time technical assistance to industry and regulators before, during and after inspections. Training for that is also under way.
MacIntire emphasized that the underlying philosophy for his division’s enforcement of FSMA is to try and change the culture in FDA, from one of enforcement only to gaining industry compliance. That includes having an open-door policy to industry at all levels and recognizing companies when they self-identify problems and fix them, coming up with different ways to address things. Because of the flexibility of the animal feed preventive controls rule, FDA will not use a one-size-fits-all approach, MacIntire said. That likely means spend less time in facilities with very good safety records and more time in ones that need more help.
Other speakers at the conference, including Bob Ehart, senior policy and science advisor for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, questioned whether FDA would receive full and adequate funding from the US Congress to enforce FSMA regulations.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Signature Pet Products enters dog, cat food market
Signature Pet Products Inc. has begun operations as a formulator and distributor of premium dog and cat foods. The new company will sell and distribute several existing Hi-Tek brands including Leonard Powell Signature Series Dog Foods, Perfectly Natural Dog, Hi-Tek Naturals Dog and Cat Foods, Hi-Tek Naturals Treats, Premium Blend Dog Food, and Hi-Tek Rations Dog Food.
Signature Pet Products foods are available as extruded kibble, canned moist foods, and baked products in a variety of formulations and at price points designed to attract a wide variety of customers.
The foods sold by Signature Pet Products are known for their high palatability and attention to safety and quality. Signature follows in the 27-year tradition of Hi-Tek by never having had a recall. Many Signature products have received national attention including being listed as among the 27 best dog food brands in the United States by Reviews.com.
Signature Pet Products is located in Dublin, Georgia, USA, strategic to major highways and close to the Port of Savannah, enabling excellent support of international sales. Signature Pet Products are distributed throughout the nation by some of the country’s most highly regarded distributors.
The company shareholders and founders are Carron Powell and Connie Scott, daughters of Hi-Tek Rations founder Leonard Powell, and Sue Powell, his wife.
Signature Pet Products foods are available as extruded kibble, canned moist foods, and baked products in a variety of formulations and at price points designed to attract a wide variety of customers.
The foods sold by Signature Pet Products are known for their high palatability and attention to safety and quality. Signature follows in the 27-year tradition of Hi-Tek by never having had a recall. Many Signature products have received national attention including being listed as among the 27 best dog food brands in the United States by Reviews.com.
Signature Pet Products is located in Dublin, Georgia, USA, strategic to major highways and close to the Port of Savannah, enabling excellent support of international sales. Signature Pet Products are distributed throughout the nation by some of the country’s most highly regarded distributors.
The company shareholders and founders are Carron Powell and Connie Scott, daughters of Hi-Tek Rations founder Leonard Powell, and Sue Powell, his wife.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Learn about challenges of creating ultra-premium pet foods
Learn about the challenges encountered with formulating, sourcing and prototyping high-value products such as high-meat formulas, limited ingredient diets, and grain-free pet foods with reasonable success of financial success.
Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6537452414934082305?linknumber=website to attend “Creating Ultra-Premium Pet Foods: Clearing the Hurdles,” a webinar sponsored by Extru-Tech Inc. and presented by Petfood Industry and WATT Global Media. The webinar will be broadcast Tuesday, July 28 at 9 a.m. CDT.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
Aldrich is an independent nutritionist specializing in foods, ingredients and nutrition for companion animals, as well as research associate professor and petfood program coordinator for the pet food research production program at Kansas State University. He writes a monthly column for Petfood Industry magazine on ingredient issues. Aldrich earned his doctorate in nutrition from the University of Illinois, a master of science from the University of Missouri and bachelor of science from Kansas State. He has held management and technical positions with Co-op Feeds, the Iams Co., Kemin Industries Inc. and Menu Foods Ltd. He is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, American Society for Nutrition and American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.
Henry received his bachelor of science in electrical engineering in 1996 at Kansas State University. He holds professional certifications in HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2, Aseptic Laboratory/Sampling Techniques) and SQF Practitioner.
Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6537452414934082305?linknumber=website to attend “Creating Ultra-Premium Pet Foods: Clearing the Hurdles,” a webinar sponsored by Extru-Tech Inc. and presented by Petfood Industry and WATT Global Media. The webinar will be broadcast Tuesday, July 28 at 9 a.m. CDT.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
- Where hurdles occur in the creation of ultra-premium pet foods
- How to align label and composition
- What the inherent cost and raw material challenges are
- Where processing and new technology can provide solutions
Aldrich is an independent nutritionist specializing in foods, ingredients and nutrition for companion animals, as well as research associate professor and petfood program coordinator for the pet food research production program at Kansas State University. He writes a monthly column for Petfood Industry magazine on ingredient issues. Aldrich earned his doctorate in nutrition from the University of Illinois, a master of science from the University of Missouri and bachelor of science from Kansas State. He has held management and technical positions with Co-op Feeds, the Iams Co., Kemin Industries Inc. and Menu Foods Ltd. He is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, American Society for Nutrition and American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.
Henry received his bachelor of science in electrical engineering in 1996 at Kansas State University. He holds professional certifications in HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2, Aseptic Laboratory/Sampling Techniques) and SQF Practitioner.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Tuffy’s Pet Foods opens new manufacturing facility
Tuffy’s Pet Foods Inc., of Perham, Minnesota, USA, has opened a new, 130,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Tuffy’s is scheduled to commission the new facility on August 19, 2015, with a formal opening celebration to be conducted that afternoon.
The $70 million facility has been purpose built from the ground up to provide the safest environment for food safety, efficiency and flexibility. The facility is designed to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers and the stringent requirements of the pet food market. This has been accomplished by combining the most technologically advanced equipment with complete process segregation. The facility expansion comprises more than 180,000 square feet of production and warehouse space to accommodate Tuffy’s rapid growth.
Production capacity in the new facility will increase in excess of 50% over the original facility with planned expansion capabilities for additional growth. The original facility will be converted to warehouse space and an expansion of soft moist treat capacity.
Tuffy’s has been producing dry dog and cat food kibble for more than 50 years. Tuffy’s produces kibble for its own National Brand offerings NutriSource, Pure Vita and Natural Planet as well as numerous co-manufactured products.
Tuffy’s parent company, KLN Family Brands is headquartered nearby.
The $70 million facility has been purpose built from the ground up to provide the safest environment for food safety, efficiency and flexibility. The facility is designed to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers and the stringent requirements of the pet food market. This has been accomplished by combining the most technologically advanced equipment with complete process segregation. The facility expansion comprises more than 180,000 square feet of production and warehouse space to accommodate Tuffy’s rapid growth.
Production capacity in the new facility will increase in excess of 50% over the original facility with planned expansion capabilities for additional growth. The original facility will be converted to warehouse space and an expansion of soft moist treat capacity.
Tuffy’s has been producing dry dog and cat food kibble for more than 50 years. Tuffy’s produces kibble for its own National Brand offerings NutriSource, Pure Vita and Natural Planet as well as numerous co-manufactured products.
Tuffy’s parent company, KLN Family Brands is headquartered nearby.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Topeka to provide incentives to Big Heart for plant expansion
The Joint Economic Development Organization of Topeka, Kansas, USA, voted unanimously on February 11 to approve “Project Blue Sky,” which will offer incentives of up to US$166,760 to Big Heart Pet Brands to expand its petfood production plant in the city.
The expansion of the plant, which manufactures Meow Mix, Gravy Train, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews and 9Lives brands, is expected to cost as much as US$42.3 million, according to a report.
The expansion would add a 70,000-square-foot packaging plant. Big Heart says expansion and renovation would enable it to retain 20 jobs it otherwise would likely lose, and to hire eight to 12 new employees.
The incentive measure allows Big Heart to receive an incentive based on the amount it invests into the facility, with the maximum incentive being US$84,760 for an investment of US$42.3 million or more. The measure also allows Big Heart to receive incentives of up to US$82,000 for retaining and adding positions.
This month, the J.M. Smucker Company (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 marks Smucker's entrance into the petfood and snacks category and expands its overall presence in consumer packaged goods. The acquisition will provide Smucker's greater scale and strategic balance to its current portfolio while positioning it for continued growth, according to the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Smucker's will acquire all of the outstanding equity of Big Heart Pet Brands.
The expansion would add a 70,000-square-foot packaging plant. Big Heart says expansion and renovation would enable it to retain 20 jobs it otherwise would likely lose, and to hire eight to 12 new employees.
The incentive measure allows Big Heart to receive an incentive based on the amount it invests into the facility, with the maximum incentive being US$84,760 for an investment of US$42.3 million or more. The measure also allows Big Heart to receive incentives of up to US$82,000 for retaining and adding positions.
This month, the J.M. Smucker Company (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 marks Smucker's entrance into the petfood and snacks category and expands its overall presence in consumer packaged goods. The acquisition will provide Smucker's greater scale and strategic balance to its current portfolio while positioning it for continued growth, according to the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Smucker's will acquire all of the outstanding equity of Big Heart Pet Brands.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Petfood Forum 2015 announces speakers, new schedule
Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats, which will take place April 27 in Kansas City, Kansas, USA, will include a field trip to a Food Innovation Accelerator Lab at nearby Kansas State University-Olathe. There, participants can practice product development of treats with several hands-on exercises using actual ingredients and processing techniques.
Sales of pet treats are growing 5% to 8% a year globally, with double-digit increases in some regions as pet owners around the world seek to pamper their pets yet still feed them wholesome, healthy snacks, including functional ingredients. Participants in the Petfood Innovation Workshop can learn about upcoming trends and new product ideas for this dynamic category, then engage in hands-on experimentation, making new types of treats at the Food Innovation Accelerator Lab.
Just about 30 minutes from the Kansas City Convention Center, this new Kansas State University (KSU) campus features a test kitchen where Greg Aldrich, PhD, Research Associate Professor at KSU and President of Pet Food Ingredients & Technology, will lead industry suppliers through helping petfood professionals create new bench-top, baked and molded treats.
Space for Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats is limited. Early bird registration savings are available through February 15, with additional savings for professionals also registering for Petfood Forum 2015.
Just about 30 minutes from the Kansas City Convention Center, this new Kansas State University (KSU) campus features a test kitchen where Greg Aldrich, PhD, Research Associate Professor at KSU and President of Pet Food Ingredients & Technology, will lead industry suppliers through helping petfood professionals create new bench-top, baked and molded treats.
Space for Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats is limited. Early bird registration savings are available through February 15, with additional savings for professionals also registering for Petfood Forum 2015.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Dimensioning a conveying system for bulk materials
When considering the installation of a new vacuum conveying system for the handling of granular bulk materials, there is a checklist of questions that need answering, according to Thomas Dahl, strategic sales OEM for the material handling division of Piab AB. The designer of the system will need the answers in order to dimension, design and assemble a system that suits the application.
1) What material?: The designer needs to know the bulk density of the material; i.e., how much it weighs in kilograms per liter (kg/l). It is also important to establish an approximate size for individual particles in the material, measured in micrometers (µm).
2) How clean?: In order to choose the right type of equipment for the conveying system, the designer also needs to know what their client requires in terms of cleanliness of the transported material.
3) How far?: Spatial data regarding the transportation system itself is also vital. The designer has to know how far the material needs to be transported.
4) What capacity?: The capacity, throughput, or flow rate of the system is next on the designer’s list of questions. The capacity is measured in tons per hour and, together with the respective vertical and horizontal distances, it provides the designer with a figure that is used to select a pump for the system.
5) Any risks?: To avoid dust explosions, specialized equipment may be required for materials prone to developing static electricity. Compliance with industrial standards included in regulations such as the EU ATEX Directive is an essential part of the design work.
6) Test it?: An experienced designer will have no problem dimensioning and building a vacuum-based conveying system for common materials. However, faced with unfamiliar materials or perhaps extreme spatial constraints, the designer may decide to test the system in-house before it is implemented at the client’s premises.
Having ticked off all the questions on the checklist, the designer is ready to set to work building a system fit for purpose. Furnished with all the necessary information regarding: the fluidity, bulk density, and particle size of the material; the horizontal and vertical distances in the available space; the desired capacity; any special requirements concerning cleanliness or potential risks; and results from a potential trial run, the designer can choose the right vacuum conveyor for the job.
1) What material?: The designer needs to know the bulk density of the material; i.e., how much it weighs in kilograms per liter (kg/l). It is also important to establish an approximate size for individual particles in the material, measured in micrometers (µm).
2) How clean?: In order to choose the right type of equipment for the conveying system, the designer also needs to know what their client requires in terms of cleanliness of the transported material.
3) How far?: Spatial data regarding the transportation system itself is also vital. The designer has to know how far the material needs to be transported.
4) What capacity?: The capacity, throughput, or flow rate of the system is next on the designer’s list of questions. The capacity is measured in tons per hour and, together with the respective vertical and horizontal distances, it provides the designer with a figure that is used to select a pump for the system.
5) Any risks?: To avoid dust explosions, specialized equipment may be required for materials prone to developing static electricity. Compliance with industrial standards included in regulations such as the EU ATEX Directive is an essential part of the design work.
6) Test it?: An experienced designer will have no problem dimensioning and building a vacuum-based conveying system for common materials. However, faced with unfamiliar materials or perhaps extreme spatial constraints, the designer may decide to test the system in-house before it is implemented at the client’s premises.
Having ticked off all the questions on the checklist, the designer is ready to set to work building a system fit for purpose. Furnished with all the necessary information regarding: the fluidity, bulk density, and particle size of the material; the horizontal and vertical distances in the available space; the desired capacity; any special requirements concerning cleanliness or potential risks; and results from a potential trial run, the designer can choose the right vacuum conveyor for the job.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Find petfood’s ‘moisture sweet spot’
- By attending the webinar, you will learn:
How to identify a petfood product’s “moisture sweet spot”
How testing can reveal a product’s moisture secrets
How to use water activity to maximize safety, quality, and profit in your products
Most petfood products have a “moisture sweet spot” – an ideal range that maximizes quality and profit while keeping the product safe from mold and microbes. Water activity is the best way to find that sweet spot – and monitor to make sure you always produce to that specification.
Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/149511489?linknumber=website to attend the webinar, “Update on Using Water Activity to Manage Safety and Quality in Petfood,” which will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 10 a.m. CST. This webinar is sponsored by Decagon and presented by WATT Global Media.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Haarslev acquires C.A. Picard screw press technology division
As part of the overall strategy and to strengthen the after sales and service business areas, Haarslev Industries has acquired C.A. Picard’s screw press technology division. In the US, it will be merged into Haarslev Industries Inc. After the transaction, C.A. Picard Engineering GmbH & Co. KG will be renamed as Haarslev Press Technology GmbH & Co. KG in Germany.
“This acquisition supports Haarslev’s strategy to continue to strengthen our after sales and service division," says Claus Østergaard, president and CEO of Haarslev Industries A/S. "With the acquisition of the screw press technology division we will increase our product know-how within screw press applications and at the same time broaden our worldwide coverage for after sales and service.”
With the acquisition of the screw press technology division and their presence in the US market from C.A. Picard, Haarslev will be able to provide its customers with better service and stronger screw press application know-how, according to Hans-Henrik Nissen, president of Haarslev Industries. "All in all, to help our customer to reduce their down time and in the same time increase their yields," he said.
“This acquisition supports Haarslev’s strategy to continue to strengthen our after sales and service division," says Claus Østergaard, president and CEO of Haarslev Industries A/S. "With the acquisition of the screw press technology division we will increase our product know-how within screw press applications and at the same time broaden our worldwide coverage for after sales and service.”
With the acquisition of the screw press technology division and their presence in the US market from C.A. Picard, Haarslev will be able to provide its customers with better service and stronger screw press application know-how, according to Hans-Henrik Nissen, president of Haarslev Industries. "All in all, to help our customer to reduce their down time and in the same time increase their yields," he said.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
TraceGains to host FSMA webinar on December 13
TraceGains will present a webinar on December 13 at 12 p.m. EDT, entitled, "Preparing for FSMA's Animal Food/Feed Rule."
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will make the industry subject to mandatory Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and a new preventive controls program under this new rule (section 103 of FSMA for animal food facilities that must register under section 415 of FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. § 350d, to establish and implement a food safety system that includes a hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls).
Under FSMA, the following would become requirements:
• A written food safety plan
• Hazard analysis
• Preventive controls for hazards that are reasonably likely to occur
• Monitoring
• Corrective actions
• Verification
• Associated records
The webinar will feature Marc Sanchez, senior counsel and adjunct professor, who will address the new proposed rule for the petfood and animal feed industry and its most distinctive and impactful features. Register online to attend the webinar.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will make the industry subject to mandatory Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and a new preventive controls program under this new rule (section 103 of FSMA for animal food facilities that must register under section 415 of FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. § 350d, to establish and implement a food safety system that includes a hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls).
Under FSMA, the following would become requirements:
• A written food safety plan
• Hazard analysis
• Preventive controls for hazards that are reasonably likely to occur
• Monitoring
• Corrective actions
• Verification
• Associated records
The webinar will feature Marc Sanchez, senior counsel and adjunct professor, who will address the new proposed rule for the petfood and animal feed industry and its most distinctive and impactful features. Register online to attend the webinar.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
DSM to host open house at premix plant on September 19
DSM Nutritional Products will host an open house at its premix plant in Ames, Iowa, USA, on Thursday, September 19, beginning at 10 a.m.
The open house program features speakers on current animal nutrition topics and tours of the facility's new packaging unit, control room/charging area, and warehouse. The day will begin with a series of presentations from DSM staff focusing on industry innovation, vitamin product forms, premix technology and the Food Safety Modernization Act. After lunch, plant tours will be offered, giving attendees the chance to view new packaging equipment.
The open house will be held at the premix plant located at 616 Dayton Ave. in Ames. To register, please contact your DSM account manager or email Dawn.Bracy@dsm.com.
The open house program features speakers on current animal nutrition topics and tours of the facility's new packaging unit, control room/charging area, and warehouse. The day will begin with a series of presentations from DSM staff focusing on industry innovation, vitamin product forms, premix technology and the Food Safety Modernization Act. After lunch, plant tours will be offered, giving attendees the chance to view new packaging equipment.
The open house will be held at the premix plant located at 616 Dayton Ave. in Ames. To register, please contact your DSM account manager or email Dawn.Bracy@dsm.com.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Kemin to host petfood quality, technology symposium on September 10-11
- The financial costs of a product recall, stability issues and their effects on petfood formulation
- The importance of petfood quality to retailers
- Innovative approaches to quality measurements
- The relationship between palatability enhancers and petfood stability
Kemin will host a symposium for the petfood industry on September 10-11 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, focusing on approaches that can be taken utilizing new technologies to improve petfood quality.
The Petfood Insights: New Approaches to Quality & Technology symposium will address challenges the industry has faced, such as in raw material sourcing and the Food Safety Modernization Act, and discuss what impact these have on manufacturers of petfood ingredients and petfood.
Presentations topics will include:
The Petfood Insights: New Approaches to Quality & Technology symposium will address challenges the industry has faced, such as in raw material sourcing and the Food Safety Modernization Act, and discuss what impact these have on manufacturers of petfood ingredients and petfood.
Presentations topics will include:
Monge opens new dry petfood production facility
Monge celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 28-29 by inaugurating a new dry petfood production facility in Europe.
The event was held at the company's headquarters in Monasterolo di Savigliano, Italy. The new petfood facility will create additional jobs at the company.
The event was held at the company's headquarters in Monasterolo di Savigliano, Italy. The new petfood facility will create additional jobs at the company.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Premier Pet Nutrition launches three new petfood calibrations for NIR machines
- The Cook Value calibration measures how well a dry petfood has been cooked, stating the level of starch gelatinisation (percent). It also provides instant feedback to the extruder operator if they are putting too much or too little energy into the petfood.
- Peroxide Value (PV) is a measure of the level of oxidation in fats in a petfood. By measuring the PV using NIR, it is possible to assess how oxidized the fats are and if the palatability or shelf-life are going to become issues for that batch of petfood.
- Water activity (aw) is one of the most critical factors determining the quality and safety of a dry petfood. If it is too high, the dry petfood will mold and spoil due to microbial growth. The new aw calibration gives instant feedback on how likely a petfood is to spoil once packed.
Premier Pet Nutrition has launched three petfood calibrations to enable petfood manufacturers to maximize their NIR machine's capabilities and enhance petfood palatability, shelf life and quality.
The three new calibrations can be uploaded to an existing NIR machine:
The three new calibrations can be uploaded to an existing NIR machine:
Monday, May 20, 2013
Affinity Petcare enters Brazil petfood market in joint venture with Mogiana
Affinity Petcare, part of the Spanish petfood manufacturer Agrolimen Group, is forming a new joint venture with Brazil's Mogiana Alimentos SA.
Affinity Petcare will enter into the Brazilian petfood market with its purchase of a 50 percent stake in Mogiana Foods, a Brazilian animal feed producer. The joint venture is based in Campinas, Brazil, and is comprised of two manufacturing plants, one in Campinas and one in Bastos, Brazil.
Affinity Petcare will enter into the Brazilian petfood market with its purchase of a 50 percent stake in Mogiana Foods, a Brazilian animal feed producer. The joint venture is based in Campinas, Brazil, and is comprised of two manufacturing plants, one in Campinas and one in Bastos, Brazil.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Researchers share latest on mycotoxins in animal feed
With nearly 500 known mycotoxins, interactions between toxins can make diagnosis difficult, and it can be further complicated by the presence of masked mycotoxins in animal feed. These complications can lead to an underestimation of certain mycotoxins by up to 88 percent, explaining why analyzed animal feed can show low levels of mycotoxins but still be problematic, according to research presented at Alltech's first North American Mycotoxin Management Summit in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
More than 65 members of the animal feed industry attended “Making Sense of the Maze... New Strategies for Old Problems,” where attendees learned about advances in mycotoxin research and analysis, as well as learned about Alltech's Mycotoxin Management Program.
“In the last two decades, advances in technology have altered our view of mycotoxin issues in the food chain. We now know it is a mycotoxin complex, and we have a better understanding of the physiological and pathological effects of mycotoxins” said Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech.
In his presentation, “Mycotoxin Research, 20 Years and What Have We Learned,” Dawson discussed how researchers are now able to detect a greater number of mycotoxins with the use of LC-MS/MS methodology; can provide a risk assessment based on the mycotoxins that are found as they relate to the particular species being fed; and determine the correct mitigation strategy through balanced nutrition and the development of functional carbohydrates.
In addition to increased detection and assessment in the laboratory, researchers have also identified more risk factors at the farm level. According to Randy Asher, Animal Science Consulting, conditions such as stress (environmental, overcrowding and comfort), disease, diet and stray voltage can magnify a mycotoxin problem.
Johanna Fink-Gremmels, Utrecht University, noted that mycotoxins continue to be a concern for both animals and humans. “On the global scale we have to learn we need to deal with mycotoxins. We will never get rid of them. We have to be prepared that the sudden incidence of mycotoxins in grains will not be infrequent,” she said.
Speakers also touched on preparation and the necessity for producers and feed mills to implement a mycotoxin management program utilizing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-based principles. Speakers also said the industry needs to understand pre- and post- harvest mycotoxin contamination and identify hazards as well as potential control points for mitigation.
An entire track on mycotoxins will also be hosted at GLIMPSE 2020: the 29th Annual Alltech International Symposium in Lexington, May 19-22.
More than 65 members of the animal feed industry attended “Making Sense of the Maze... New Strategies for Old Problems,” where attendees learned about advances in mycotoxin research and analysis, as well as learned about Alltech's Mycotoxin Management Program.
“In the last two decades, advances in technology have altered our view of mycotoxin issues in the food chain. We now know it is a mycotoxin complex, and we have a better understanding of the physiological and pathological effects of mycotoxins” said Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech.
In his presentation, “Mycotoxin Research, 20 Years and What Have We Learned,” Dawson discussed how researchers are now able to detect a greater number of mycotoxins with the use of LC-MS/MS methodology; can provide a risk assessment based on the mycotoxins that are found as they relate to the particular species being fed; and determine the correct mitigation strategy through balanced nutrition and the development of functional carbohydrates.
In addition to increased detection and assessment in the laboratory, researchers have also identified more risk factors at the farm level. According to Randy Asher, Animal Science Consulting, conditions such as stress (environmental, overcrowding and comfort), disease, diet and stray voltage can magnify a mycotoxin problem.
Johanna Fink-Gremmels, Utrecht University, noted that mycotoxins continue to be a concern for both animals and humans. “On the global scale we have to learn we need to deal with mycotoxins. We will never get rid of them. We have to be prepared that the sudden incidence of mycotoxins in grains will not be infrequent,” she said.
Speakers also touched on preparation and the necessity for producers and feed mills to implement a mycotoxin management program utilizing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-based principles. Speakers also said the industry needs to understand pre- and post- harvest mycotoxin contamination and identify hazards as well as potential control points for mitigation.
An entire track on mycotoxins will also be hosted at GLIMPSE 2020: the 29th Annual Alltech International Symposium in Lexington, May 19-22.
Friday, April 12, 2013
New Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition seeks industry members
A natural pet product company and consulting company have joined forces to form the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition. The sustainability coalition seeks to promote sustainable progress in the pet industry.
The coalition's three-part approach includes:
• Identifying businesses' sustainability needs and developing collaborative innovation to meet those needs.
• Providing tools and resources designed to guide members toward sustainability milestones.
• Developing a voluntary accreditation program that aims to create industry standards and sustainability language.
Formed by Chris Bentley, co-founder of natural pet product companies I and Love and You and Only Natural Pet, as well as the consulting firm Natural Capitalism Solutions, the coalition accepts a founding-member pledge of US$10,000 and also offers a free membership option. Other founding members include Kong Co., Petco, West Paw Design, Planet Dog and Cardinal Pet Care. Pet industry manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the eco-friendly pet products market are encouraged to join.
The coalition's three-part approach includes:
• Identifying businesses' sustainability needs and developing collaborative innovation to meet those needs.
• Providing tools and resources designed to guide members toward sustainability milestones.
• Developing a voluntary accreditation program that aims to create industry standards and sustainability language.
Formed by Chris Bentley, co-founder of natural pet product companies I and Love and You and Only Natural Pet, as well as the consulting firm Natural Capitalism Solutions, the coalition accepts a founding-member pledge of US$10,000 and also offers a free membership option. Other founding members include Kong Co., Petco, West Paw Design, Planet Dog and Cardinal Pet Care. Pet industry manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the eco-friendly pet products market are encouraged to join.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)