For decades, Americans happily poured food into their pets’ bowls without any concern about what was on the ingredient list. That all changed in the early 2000s, when a series of exposés revealed that pet food manufacturers were using subpar protein or substitutes in their products, ultimately culminating in massive pet food recalls in 2007 due to contamination with melamine and cyanuric acid.
Ever since, pet food manufacturing has become increasingly regulated, with both government and nonprofit organizations creating stricter rules surrounding the process. Some even label certain pet foods as “Human-Grade.” But what does this mean for you? Is it just higher prices, or are you getting more for your money?
The Rise of “Human-Grade” in Pet Food
To truly understand the differences between human vs pet food manufacturing, we have to start with the phrase “Human-Grade.” What does this really mean?
While not a legally defined term, “Human-Grade” is based on the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and is enforced by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This nonprofit organization, staffed by representatives with enforcement power from every US state, provides strict guidelines for such labeling. To be labeled as “Human-Grade”, pet food manufacturers must:
- Use raw materials that are free from pests or microorganisms and have undergone USDA inspection
- Maintain a food safety plan and enforce quality controls
- Keep their facility up to code for maintenance and sanitation
- Undergo yearly audits and inspections
This definition is backed up in part by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Process Verified Program, where manufacturers can choose to undergo a yearly audit to ensure their products measure up to AAFCO’s “Human-Grade” definition.
Manufacturing Standards for “Human-Grade” Pet Food
It can be hard to believe that the dry kibble in your dog’s bowl is “Human-Grade,” especially compared to any meal you’d prepare for a human. But for that food to earn that label, the manufacturer doesn’t just have to use the right ingredients; they have to make sure they’re put together safely.
Pet food manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the quality of every product that leaves their facility, which includes
- Identifying potential hazards in their manufacturing process and implementing systems to prevent those hazards
- Following safe food handling guidelines, including segregating raw materials
- Meeting strict standards for cleanliness and preventing cross-contamination, such as from allergens
These rules not only prevent incidents, but make incidents more traceable when they do occur. This means that these companies can identify problems and issue recalls faster, before pets are harmed by potential hazards.
Comparing Quality Control and Food Inspection Protocols
Human vs. pet food manufacturing and inspection differences continue in terms of quality control. The Food Safety and Inspection Service, a branch of the USDA, inspects meat and poultry products to ensure they’re safe for human consumption. Meanwhile, the FDA oversees a facility’s sanitation measures.
With animal feed production, the FDA handles inspection with the AAFCO advising. There is also some state-level oversight throughout the process. Many plants are voluntarily scheduling audits from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to achieve “human-grade” pet food certification.
What kind of testing does “human-grade” pet food go through? Test regimes are extensive and cover the following:
- Ingredients: Officials have to confirm that every ingredient in pet food products is safe for human consumption.
- Nutrition: Products must meet nutritional guidelines established by the AAFCO. Experts test the balance of key nutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as various vitamins and minerals.
- Contaminants: Pet food contaminant testing usually isn’t as rigorous as it is for human-marketed products. However, human-grade animal feed undergoes careful inspection for contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.
- Microbiology: Foodborne illnesses occur if someone consumes a product with dangerous bacteria. To keep animals safe and healthy, experts assess their food for E. coli, Salmonella, and other microbial contaminants.
- Label verification: Brands can’t stick a certain label on their packaging unless officials verify a product as such. For instance, a pet food labeled “gluten free” will need to undergo thorough inspection to confirm the claim.
- Shelf-life expectancy: Animal feed made in a human-grade facility may not have as many preservatives that prevent it from expiring quickly. The product’s shelf life becomes an area of concern as a result.
- Traceability: Should a product be contaminated or unsafe for consumption, manufacturers must be able to trace it throughout the supply chain. This allows them to pull harmful packages off the shelves and prevent further issues with their items.
Explore the Challenges and Limitations of Human vs. Pet Food Manufacturing and Inspection
When it comes to producing high-quality, “human-grade” pet food, manufacturers have some hoops to jump through. Since there’s no official federal legal definition for these terms, producers need to research thoroughly and ensure that they meet the legal requirements to use the term as verified by the AAFCO and its sister organizations.
While testing is more thorough with human-grade certification than basic animal feed processes, the lack of standardization can be a challenge. Until regulatory bodies put forth the same standards and guidelines, understanding pet food safety and quality can be difficult.
Manufacturing costs pose a major challenge for pet food suppliers looking to reach human-grade certification. Attaining this status could require significant facility upgrades that constrain the supply chain. Switching to premium ingredients raises costs, while adequate documentation requirements are another potential burden.
Finally, manufacturers have to overcome some technical hurdles like palatability and shelf life expectancy. Suppliers have to focus on producing fresh or freeze-dried food rather than traditional feed-grade products.
Examining the Role of Suppliers Like TDI Packsys
Comparing human vs. pet food manufacturing and inspection raises some concerns for manufacturers looking to deliver high-quality products. As an industry leader in food inspection and packaging, TDI Packsys is here to help.
Our automated food packaging solutions can revamp your supply chain. Innovative technology makes it possible for you to package both human and pet food with precision. You’ll find equipment that matches your needs, including pick and place machines, multi-head weighers, and pouch-filling machines.
How can you tell that you’re sending safe products to consumers? We offer cutting-edge solutions like x-ray inspection systems and food metal detectors to identify hazardous contaminants in packages. Checkweighers ensure that every package is the appropriate weight.
Our machines are designed to satisfy human-grade hygiene standards, but you can customize them for your facility’s needs. For example, you can use our products to test for contaminants in dry kibble or ready-made meals for pets.
What Are Some Future Trends To Watch For?
If you’re wondering about the outlook of pet food manufacturing and inspection, here are some possible trends to watch for:
- Tighter regulations: State-level standardization and more USDA audits may occur.
- Enhanced technology: Suppliers may soon rely on the Internet of Things for superior traceability, as well as increased automation practices.
- More green or novel ingredients: The pet food industry is seeing a rise in using insect protein sources. Other alternative proteins may soon become prevalent in animal feed.
- Overall market shifts: Experts expect the market to expand as more and more suppliers are switching to fresh, functional, clean-label pet foods. There is currently an increase in refrigerated options that give pet owners peace of mind.
Discover Food Inspection Solutions From TDI Packsys
Understanding human vs. pet food manufacturing and inspection protocols can be complex, but your facility could improve food safety operations with the right equipment. TDI Packsys offers state-of-the-art inspection systems and packaging solutions.
Are you ready to enhance your operations? Connect with us today online or call (877) 834-6750 to learn more.
