Whos responsible for ensuring the safety of pet food?
The FDA and state feed program officials regulate the industry, but it’s largely self-policing. That’s also true of much of the human food industry, but the slaughter and processing of meat for human consumption is more heavily regulated. Pet food companies set their own standards for testing raw ingredients and finished products, Aldrich says. Wellness, a pet food from Old Mother Hubbard in Chelmsford, Mass., has suppliers test every load of raw material, says Greg Kean, director of product development and quality assurance for the brand. The same is true for Nestlé Purina, says Terry Block, president for Nestlé Purina PetCare’s North American division. “We check every load, every one of those rail cars,” for contaminants and to make sure the goods meet nutritional and other requirements. Block says Nestlé’s suppliers are certified and audited, and the manufacturing process is monitored. Nestlé Purina recalled three Mighty Dog products because they were made by Menu, even though no pr
