Mars Petcare announced the decision to close its Le Sueur, Minnesota, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, facilities in the USA by the end of 2009 in addition to the closing of the Portland, Indiana, plant.
The company cited reduced customer demand as the reason for the closures.
“The decision to close the Portland, Le Sueur and Allentown facilities was a difficult one and made only after careful review and analysis,” said Debra Fair, director of corporate affairs.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Natura requires all distributors to be AIB certified
Natura Pet Products recently announced all of its distributors will be required to pass certification with the American Institute of Baking International.
AIB Certification specifies rigorous standards for food safety. To receive certification, an organization must pass independent inspections, training and audits that demonstrate its ability to protect the safety of the food supply chain. As part of Natura’s new partnership agreements, the company is requiring all distributors to pass AIB Certification.
“The AIB certification requirement is part of Natura’s ongoing efforts to ensure our petfoods and treats meet the strictest standards for safety and quality from our manufacturing plants to our customers’ pet bowls,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.
AIB Certification specifies rigorous standards for food safety. To receive certification, an organization must pass independent inspections, training and audits that demonstrate its ability to protect the safety of the food supply chain. As part of Natura’s new partnership agreements, the company is requiring all distributors to pass AIB Certification.
“The AIB certification requirement is part of Natura’s ongoing efforts to ensure our petfoods and treats meet the strictest standards for safety and quality from our manufacturing plants to our customers’ pet bowls,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.
Scientists discover quicker test for melamine
A group of scientists from Purdue University have discovered a faster way to detect melamine levels by utilizing infrared spectroscopy in laboratory tests, according to a report in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
The Food and Drug Administration currently utilizes a time-consuming analysis to detect melamine levels, so researchers have been trying to find a more efficient way to spot melamine contamination.
Last year and in 2007, cases of melamine contamination emerged from Chinese-produced infant formula and pet food, due to its properties as a cheap but illegal substitute for protein.
The Food and Drug Administration currently utilizes a time-consuming analysis to detect melamine levels, so researchers have been trying to find a more efficient way to spot melamine contamination.
Last year and in 2007, cases of melamine contamination emerged from Chinese-produced infant formula and pet food, due to its properties as a cheap but illegal substitute for protein.
Friday, June 12, 2009
AFIA announces petfood regulations course
The American Feed Industry Association released details of a two-day event this fall that will focus on the latest regulations affecting the feed and petfood industry.
The Regulatory Training Short-Course: What's What in Feed, Ingredient & Pet Food Regulations, scheduled to occur at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington,Virginia, Sept. 28-29, is designed for professionals in the livestock feed and petfood industry who wish to learn more about how the industry’s products are regulated by states and the federal government.
For more information or to register, click here. Early-bird registration ends Sept. 1; regular registration ends Sept. 23.
The Regulatory Training Short-Course: What's What in Feed, Ingredient & Pet Food Regulations, scheduled to occur at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington,Virginia, Sept. 28-29, is designed for professionals in the livestock feed and petfood industry who wish to learn more about how the industry’s products are regulated by states and the federal government.
For more information or to register, click here. Early-bird registration ends Sept. 1; regular registration ends Sept. 23.
Directory rates 30 petfoods on ‘green’ scale
Greenopia, an online directory for everything green, recently released its independent ratings of 30 popular petfood brands sold in the USA.
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Australia suspends irradiation of cat food
An outbreak in neurological disorders in cats has lead Australia to cease sterilization of cat food by irradiation. Scientific studies have suggested food irradiation as the source of the illnesses afflicting cats, but exactly how irradiation is causing food to be toxic to cats is unknown.
Ninety cats in Australia were afflicted with neurological disorders after they ate Orijen imported dry cat food, manufactured by Champion Petfoods, according to Dr. Georgina Child, a neurologist familiar with the cases.
Only Australia, which requires irradiation of pet food, has reported issues with Orijen cat food; all other countries who imported non-irradiated Orijen cat food reported no problems.
Ninety cats in Australia were afflicted with neurological disorders after they ate Orijen imported dry cat food, manufactured by Champion Petfoods, according to Dr. Georgina Child, a neurologist familiar with the cases.
Only Australia, which requires irradiation of pet food, has reported issues with Orijen cat food; all other countries who imported non-irradiated Orijen cat food reported no problems.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
HBH Pet introduces grain-free dog treats
HBH Pet Products announced the release of its new product, No Grainers dog biscuits and treats, which is a 100% grain-free, protein-infused alternative to treats with corn and wheat fillers.
“Some dogs have trouble processing foods that are grain-based, which can wreak havoc on their systems,” said Colette Dahl, manager of new product development at HBH Pet Products. “Because No Grainers understands the importance of having protein as a staple in a dog’s diet, we developed these … treats.”
“Some dogs have trouble processing foods that are grain-based, which can wreak havoc on their systems,” said Colette Dahl, manager of new product development at HBH Pet Products. “Because No Grainers understands the importance of having protein as a staple in a dog’s diet, we developed these … treats.”
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