Marking the serving of one million meals to pets in need, VCA Charities and Hill’s Pet Nutrition celebrated the major milestone in their five-year partnership at the St. Joseph’s Center in Venice, California, USA, where the pet food assistance partnership began in 2010.
The partnership with Hill’s helps support the VCA Pet Food Pantry program, initiated by VCA Charities five years ago to provide pet food to pet parents stricken by the economic downturn. At that time, an increasing number of pets were being taken to animal hospitals for euthanasia or abandoned when their owners could no longer bear the cost of caring for them.
Since that time, the VCA Pet Food Pantry program has expanded to more than 20 locations throughout the United States and Canada, providing free pet food to clients of existing food pantries.
“We started the Pet Food Pantry program to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families who could not otherwise afford it in the local communities we serve,” said Art Antin, chief operating officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. “By providing these one million free meals, we have helped many families in need hold on to the loving and comforting bond their pets provide.”
St. Joseph Center’s Executive Director Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum said: “The Food Pantry is the primary gateway to St. Joseph Center's efforts to help working poor families achieve and maintain stability as they make their way toward lasting self-sufficiency. With the VCA Pet Food Pantry on-site, our families don’t have the additional burden of worrying how they will be able to feed their companion animals.”
Working with VCA Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the maker of the Science Diet, Prescription Diet and Ideal Balance brands, currently donates premium pet food to more than half of the VCA Pet Food Pantries across the US, and has made a commitment to expand the current partnership by supporting additional pet food pantries with pet food donations over the next few years.
“Our mission at Hill’s is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, North America. “We want to help transform lives, and this partnership with VCA Charities allows us to do that by keeping a pet with its family during a time of need when its unconditional love is most needed.”
In furthering its mission, Hill’s has a long-standing history of helping pets in need through its Food, Shelter & Love program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters in the U.S.
Hill’s also comes to the aid of communities impacted by disaster. In the past two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has delivered free pet food to 60 shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents to feed displaced pets.
VCA Charities continues to support programs, organizations, and causes that promote pet healthcare education, proactive veterinary care, proper pet nutrition, and prevention of cruelty to animals. In furthering its mission, VCA Charities partners with the American Red Cross in their Disaster Relief Network, and provides free exams, boarding, and vaccinations for pets displaced or injured during a disaster or emergency.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
FDA issues draft guidance on mandatory recall authority
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published draft guidance on mandatory food recall authority as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA).
The guidance gives the government authority to order a responsible party to recall food when FDA determines there is a reasonable probability that the food is adulterated or misbranded, and that the use of the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Dietary supplements also are included under this guidance.
After the FDA decides a product should be recalled, it must give the company the opportunity to recall it voluntarily. If the company chooses not to conduct a voluntary recall, FDA can order it to stop selling the food and hold a hearing. After that, the FDA commissioner can order a recall.
Food is considered adulterated if it has any “poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food; or has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may be rendered injurious to health.” Dietary supplements are adulterated when an ingredient presents a “significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in labeling; or is a new ingredient that is not assured of safety; or poses an imminent hazard to public health or safety.”
Since 2011, FDA has used this power twice: a recall of Salmonella-contaminated pet treats in 2013, and the recall of OxyElite Pro Dietary Supplements in 2014.
The guidance gives the government authority to order a responsible party to recall food when FDA determines there is a reasonable probability that the food is adulterated or misbranded, and that the use of the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Dietary supplements also are included under this guidance.
After the FDA decides a product should be recalled, it must give the company the opportunity to recall it voluntarily. If the company chooses not to conduct a voluntary recall, FDA can order it to stop selling the food and hold a hearing. After that, the FDA commissioner can order a recall.
Food is considered adulterated if it has any “poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food; or has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may be rendered injurious to health.” Dietary supplements are adulterated when an ingredient presents a “significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in labeling; or is a new ingredient that is not assured of safety; or poses an imminent hazard to public health or safety.”
Since 2011, FDA has used this power twice: a recall of Salmonella-contaminated pet treats in 2013, and the recall of OxyElite Pro Dietary Supplements in 2014.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
AFIA designs broadened biosecurity document
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the government asked animal agriculture industries to release guidelines to its manufacturing facilities regarding the protection of the nation's agriculture assets. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) developed the 2012 Bioterrorism Awareness Guidelines, which it recently redesigned as a broadened biosecurity document for the feed and ingredient manufacturing industries.
"During the last two years, AFIA discussed the development of a foreign animal disease risk model with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, formed a working group and reevaluated our 2012 bioterrorism guide," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
"This is a tremendous resource for our members, and I greatly appreciate the leadership of this task force for developing a high-quality guidance document that will assist our members and the industry in the control of biological hazards. I especially appreciate the assistance of the associations that participated to provide insight and recommendations," Newman added.
The working group -- including scientists from the feed industry and representatives from the National Grain and Feed Association, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and National Renderers Association -- rewrote the guide with a focus on protecting the feed industry's assets and ensuring the latest science was considered in order to protect AFIA's customers' premises and animals from the spread of animal disease.
The document's purpose is to provide feed and ingredient manufacturers with recommendations to develop a biosecurity plan to help control the potential spread of animal disease through the manufacturing, transport and use of feed and feed ingredients.
Each facility, location or business should develop a biosecurity plan based on the potential hazards and risks of occurrence within its processes. Procedures should be developed to ensure the plan is implemented and remains effective as situations change. The new guidance document focuses on the development of biosecurity practices for feed and ingredient manufacturers to control biological hazards that may contribute to the spread of animal disease.
"We greatly appreciate the dedication and support of the 14 members and organizations that provided insight and recommendations on updating this document," said Dr. Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs. "We are confident the new guidance will help our industry deal with current animal diseases to become better prepared for the next animal health issue."
"During the last two years, AFIA discussed the development of a foreign animal disease risk model with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, formed a working group and reevaluated our 2012 bioterrorism guide," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
"This is a tremendous resource for our members, and I greatly appreciate the leadership of this task force for developing a high-quality guidance document that will assist our members and the industry in the control of biological hazards. I especially appreciate the assistance of the associations that participated to provide insight and recommendations," Newman added.
The working group -- including scientists from the feed industry and representatives from the National Grain and Feed Association, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and National Renderers Association -- rewrote the guide with a focus on protecting the feed industry's assets and ensuring the latest science was considered in order to protect AFIA's customers' premises and animals from the spread of animal disease.
The document's purpose is to provide feed and ingredient manufacturers with recommendations to develop a biosecurity plan to help control the potential spread of animal disease through the manufacturing, transport and use of feed and feed ingredients.
Each facility, location or business should develop a biosecurity plan based on the potential hazards and risks of occurrence within its processes. Procedures should be developed to ensure the plan is implemented and remains effective as situations change. The new guidance document focuses on the development of biosecurity practices for feed and ingredient manufacturers to control biological hazards that may contribute to the spread of animal disease.
"We greatly appreciate the dedication and support of the 14 members and organizations that provided insight and recommendations on updating this document," said Dr. Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs. "We are confident the new guidance will help our industry deal with current animal diseases to become better prepared for the next animal health issue."
Monday, May 25, 2015
New company involving Kay Flo animal nutrients assets forms
The animal nutrients business formerly run under third-generation company Kay Flo, has been reorganized under a new name, Kay Dee LLC.
A.W. Lohry founded Kay Dee Feed in 1928, which evolved into Kay Flo in the 1970s. Eric Lohry, A.W. Lohry’s grandson, has acquired all assets of the animal nutrients business, which now encompasses a family of brands that includes Nutraferma, Kay Dee Feed, UltraPhos, NF Protein and DPS.
“We are excited to be able to build upon a long tradition of customer focus, product innovation and intensive research and development,” Eric Lohry said. “Our single mission now will be to create technologically advanced and research-proven products for the animal feed industry.”
Kay Dee LLC was formed in concurrence with the sale of Kay Flo, which was announced on May 18. Kay Dee LLC will retain all related animal nutrient companies, product lines and facilities.
Lohry said the sale of the fertilizer side of the business will allow the newly formed company to continue its legacy in a more focused and strategic way.
Kay Dee owns and operates five manufacturing facilities; two are in Sioux City, Iowa, and one is in Nevada, Missouri. The other two are joint-venture facilities, located in North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Jiangsu, China.
“This exciting change will offer a real advantage to our customers,” Lohry said. “What we were great at before, we will become even better going forward – we have exciting expansion plans right on the horizon.”
A.W. Lohry founded Kay Dee Feed in 1928, which evolved into Kay Flo in the 1970s. Eric Lohry, A.W. Lohry’s grandson, has acquired all assets of the animal nutrients business, which now encompasses a family of brands that includes Nutraferma, Kay Dee Feed, UltraPhos, NF Protein and DPS.
“We are excited to be able to build upon a long tradition of customer focus, product innovation and intensive research and development,” Eric Lohry said. “Our single mission now will be to create technologically advanced and research-proven products for the animal feed industry.”
Kay Dee LLC was formed in concurrence with the sale of Kay Flo, which was announced on May 18. Kay Dee LLC will retain all related animal nutrient companies, product lines and facilities.
Lohry said the sale of the fertilizer side of the business will allow the newly formed company to continue its legacy in a more focused and strategic way.
Kay Dee owns and operates five manufacturing facilities; two are in Sioux City, Iowa, and one is in Nevada, Missouri. The other two are joint-venture facilities, located in North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Jiangsu, China.
“This exciting change will offer a real advantage to our customers,” Lohry said. “What we were great at before, we will become even better going forward – we have exciting expansion plans right on the horizon.”
Friday, May 22, 2015
Central Garden & Pet posts US$497.6 million in net sales
Central Garden & Pet Co. reported second quarter net sales of US$497.6 million, down 1% from US$501.6 million a year ago.
The company’s second quarter operating income was US$50 million, compared with US$44.8 million a year ago.
Sales and general administrative expenses as a percentage of sales improved to 20.1% from 20.5% a year ago.
Pet segment
Net sales for the company’s pet segment rose 2% to US$221.5 million. Partially offsetting those gains were lower wild bird feed and dog and cat revenues. Sales of other manufacturers' products increased primarily due to increased distribution and higher sales of dog food, treats and supplies. The pet segment’s branded product sales were US$168.4 million, and sales of other manufacturers’ products were US$53.1 million.
The pet segment’s operating income was US$27.1 million, up 12% from a year ago.
The company’s second quarter operating income was US$50 million, compared with US$44.8 million a year ago.
Sales and general administrative expenses as a percentage of sales improved to 20.1% from 20.5% a year ago.
Pet segment
Net sales for the company’s pet segment rose 2% to US$221.5 million. Partially offsetting those gains were lower wild bird feed and dog and cat revenues. Sales of other manufacturers' products increased primarily due to increased distribution and higher sales of dog food, treats and supplies. The pet segment’s branded product sales were US$168.4 million, and sales of other manufacturers’ products were US$53.1 million.
The pet segment’s operating income was US$27.1 million, up 12% from a year ago.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Blue Buffalo files counterclaims against Purina
Blue Buffalo issued a letter to its customers on its website on May 19, 2015, regarding its ongoing battle with Nestle Purina over the labeling of ingredients in its products.
“Given all the misinformation out there, we would like to give you a quick update on the legal front. As we had informed you on May 9th, today we formally brought claims of breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment against the parties responsible for the intentional mislabeling of certain ingredients that were shipped to us and other well-known pet food brands through May 2014,” the statement said. “Separately, we informed the court in the case involving consumers’ claims in this matter that we would also name the same parties as defendants in that case, so they can be held fully accountable for their actions.”
Blue Buffalo’s amended answer to Purina’s lawsuit includes counterclaims against Purina and its public relations agencies and new claims against the suppliers of mislabeled ingredients.
“We encourage all of you who are interested to read our lawsuit and learn more about Nestlé Purina’s smear campaign attacking our integrity, and the supplier fraud that impacted the industry until May of last year,” the statement said.
On May 6, 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry byproduct meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top-selling pet foods. On May 6, 2015, Blue Buffalo acknowledged in court that a “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry byproduct meal, despite advertising claims to the contrary.
“Given all the misinformation out there, we would like to give you a quick update on the legal front. As we had informed you on May 9th, today we formally brought claims of breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment against the parties responsible for the intentional mislabeling of certain ingredients that were shipped to us and other well-known pet food brands through May 2014,” the statement said. “Separately, we informed the court in the case involving consumers’ claims in this matter that we would also name the same parties as defendants in that case, so they can be held fully accountable for their actions.”
Blue Buffalo’s amended answer to Purina’s lawsuit includes counterclaims against Purina and its public relations agencies and new claims against the suppliers of mislabeled ingredients.
“We encourage all of you who are interested to read our lawsuit and learn more about Nestlé Purina’s smear campaign attacking our integrity, and the supplier fraud that impacted the industry until May of last year,” the statement said.
On May 6, 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry byproduct meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top-selling pet foods. On May 6, 2015, Blue Buffalo acknowledged in court that a “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry byproduct meal, despite advertising claims to the contrary.
AFIA names new chair, directors, members
Members of the American Feed Industry Association's board of directors met May 12-13, 2015, to discuss top priority issues affecting the animal food industry and address those issues with legislators during the association's annual spring visit to Washington.
AFIA's board also recognized Dr. Alan Wessler, MFA Incorporated, for his leadership as its chair during the 2014-15 year, welcomed his successor, Rob Sheffer, Waycrosse, and announced its chair-elect and new directors, and elected new members to the organization's executive committee.
Sheffer is an active AFIA board member, serving since 2009, and has served on the executive committee since 2012.
Sheffer is the president and CEO of Waycrosse in Wayzata, Minn. Prior to transitioning to his new role, Sheffer served as the group director for Cargill Feed and Nutrition, where he was responsible for leading the U.S. retail and commercial feed business and providing strategic direction to Cargill Animal Nutrition. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and is active in the fight against global hunger.
Sheffer's one-year term began May 1.
In related business, the board voted to accept the nomination of Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc., to become chairman-elect of the organization. Phillips will succeed Sheffer in May 2016.
The following individuals were elected to three-year terms on the AFIA board and began their service at the May board meeting: Eric Arnold, Bill Barr & Company; Cory Berg, QLF-Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc.; Roy Brister, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Jim Conway, Darling Ingredients; Mark Etienne, Potashcorp; Frank Goode, ILC Resources; John Howe, Manna Pro Products, LLC; Raj Lall, Vets Plus, Inc.; Chuck Loefer, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.; Diane Loiselle, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Joe Lucas, Phibro Animal Health Corporation; Mike Manning, The F.L. Emmert Company; Rod Paulson, CHS Inc.; Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc.; Mike Rivard, International Ingredient Corporation; and John Thorpe, Kent Nutrition Group, Inc.
The six nominated individuals chosen as additions to AFIA's Executive Committee were approved: Kevin Baker, Valley Proteins, Inc.; Tim Belstra, Belstra Milling; Lisa Deverell, Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Lee Hall, Hallway Feeds; Dennis Hart, Diversified Ingredients; and Mindy Whittle, Monsanto Company.
Jeff Cannon, Diamond V, and Ed Galo, Novus International, Inc., were elected as new trustees to the Institute for Feed Education & Research Board of Trustees by AFIA's board of directors. The existing eight trustees were reelected for a consecutive one-year term: Cathy Bandyk, Westway Feed Products, LLC; Marc de Beer, DSM Nutritional Products; Bruce Crutcher, Trouw Nutrition USA; Al Gunderson, Vita Plus Corporation; Dr. C. Ross Hamilton, Darling Ingredients; Dr. Wes Jamison, Palm Beach Atlantic University; Chad Risley, Berg+Schmidt American, LLC; and Eddie Wells, Milk Specialties Global. IFEEDER, created by AFIA in 2009, addresses the education and research challenges our U.S. food and feed production industries will face in the next 40 years and beyond, as the world's population grows by almost 2.5 billion people. The Executive Committee also renewed the appointment of Dean Warras, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, as IFEEDER's chair.
AFIA's board also recognized Dr. Alan Wessler, MFA Incorporated, for his leadership as its chair during the 2014-15 year, welcomed his successor, Rob Sheffer, Waycrosse, and announced its chair-elect and new directors, and elected new members to the organization's executive committee.
Sheffer is an active AFIA board member, serving since 2009, and has served on the executive committee since 2012.
Sheffer is the president and CEO of Waycrosse in Wayzata, Minn. Prior to transitioning to his new role, Sheffer served as the group director for Cargill Feed and Nutrition, where he was responsible for leading the U.S. retail and commercial feed business and providing strategic direction to Cargill Animal Nutrition. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and is active in the fight against global hunger.
Sheffer's one-year term began May 1.
In related business, the board voted to accept the nomination of Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc., to become chairman-elect of the organization. Phillips will succeed Sheffer in May 2016.
The following individuals were elected to three-year terms on the AFIA board and began their service at the May board meeting: Eric Arnold, Bill Barr & Company; Cory Berg, QLF-Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc.; Roy Brister, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Jim Conway, Darling Ingredients; Mark Etienne, Potashcorp; Frank Goode, ILC Resources; John Howe, Manna Pro Products, LLC; Raj Lall, Vets Plus, Inc.; Chuck Loefer, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.; Diane Loiselle, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Joe Lucas, Phibro Animal Health Corporation; Mike Manning, The F.L. Emmert Company; Rod Paulson, CHS Inc.; Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc.; Mike Rivard, International Ingredient Corporation; and John Thorpe, Kent Nutrition Group, Inc.
The six nominated individuals chosen as additions to AFIA's Executive Committee were approved: Kevin Baker, Valley Proteins, Inc.; Tim Belstra, Belstra Milling; Lisa Deverell, Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Lee Hall, Hallway Feeds; Dennis Hart, Diversified Ingredients; and Mindy Whittle, Monsanto Company.
Jeff Cannon, Diamond V, and Ed Galo, Novus International, Inc., were elected as new trustees to the Institute for Feed Education & Research Board of Trustees by AFIA's board of directors. The existing eight trustees were reelected for a consecutive one-year term: Cathy Bandyk, Westway Feed Products, LLC; Marc de Beer, DSM Nutritional Products; Bruce Crutcher, Trouw Nutrition USA; Al Gunderson, Vita Plus Corporation; Dr. C. Ross Hamilton, Darling Ingredients; Dr. Wes Jamison, Palm Beach Atlantic University; Chad Risley, Berg+Schmidt American, LLC; and Eddie Wells, Milk Specialties Global. IFEEDER, created by AFIA in 2009, addresses the education and research challenges our U.S. food and feed production industries will face in the next 40 years and beyond, as the world's population grows by almost 2.5 billion people. The Executive Committee also renewed the appointment of Dean Warras, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, as IFEEDER's chair.
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