The Importance of Hygiene Control in Pet Food Production and Handling

The Importance of Hygiene Control in Pet Food Production and Handling

Providing healthy diets and treats is important for pet owners, but the food we prepare for our furry family members must be handled carefully to prevent illness.pet food hygiene control Just like people food, commercially prepared pet foods and treats may be contaminated with bacteria such as E coli O157:H7 or Salmonella that can make animals sick and infect humans who come into contact with them (zoonotic diseases). These germs can cause serious infections in young children, infants, adults and seniors as well as people with weak immune systems.

Pet food manufacturers must adhere to strict guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety of the foods they produce.pet food hygiene control These controls are called critical control points and are designed to protect the health of pets that eat the food as well as people who handle it.

These critical control points are often determined by the type of product being produced, the ingredients being used and the food processing techniques required for safe preparation.pet food hygiene control For example, raw pet foods are more likely to contain pathogens than cooked/processed pet foods because they have not been heated or otherwise treated. This is why it is important for pet food manufacturers to use high quality ingredients from reliable sources.

It is also essential that manufacturers follow proper storage and handling practices.pet food hygiene control This includes keeping wet or dry pet foods in a clean, dry place and sealing the food tightly after each feeding. Store the food in a refrigerator set at 40degF or below and out of the reach of small children and infants. Avoid using the same utensils for handling raw and cooked/processed pet foods. Instead, have dedicated utensils for pet food and use them only for this purpose. Wash and disinfect these utensils after each use.

If you are storing wet or raw pet foods in the fridge, store them separately from other food products to prevent cross contamination and keep them in the coolest part of the fridge. If you are preparing raw pet food on the counter, clean it after each use and wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Clean the utensils you use to handle the food including bowls, spoons and scoops, and keep them away from other kitchen utensils and surfaces, such as cutting boards and knives.

If you feed your pet a raw diet, store the food in the bottom of the refrigerator to keep it from touching or dripping onto other foods. When putting food in the bowl, use a clean utensil each time and clean the bowl after each meal. Always use a separate food bowl for your pet and don’t share it with other pets or people. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly especially after touching the food bowl and before and after eating or going to bed. Wash the food bowls, food mats and any other utensils you use in a hot soapy water after each use. If you use a scoop to measure the food, wash it between uses as well.