Pet Food Safety: 10 Critical Points to Strengthen the System in Factories

Ensuring food safety for companion animals requires more than just well-written protocols. 
 

In industrial practice, failures often occur during execution, especially when there are changes in formulations, equipment, or operational routines that do not undergo careful reassessment.

Building a robust system depends on three pillars: well-trained and engaged teams, procedures based on scientific evidence, and continuous review of production processes. 
 

Without these elements, even technically structured programs can have gaps on the factory floor.
 

Below are ten key points considered essential for strengthening safety programs in pet food factories:
 

1. People are the foundation of the system.
   Even the best program doesn't work without a committed and technically skilled team. 
   The system's performance depends directly on the engagement and ability of the professionals responsible for executing standard operating procedures.
    
   
   

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2. Food safety requires continuous review.
   The system cannot be treated as a static document. Reviews should occur at least once a year and whenever there are changes in equipment, process flow, or formulation. Constant updating is essential to ensure that preventive measures remain adequate.
    
3. Structural modifications increase the risk of pathogens.
   Changes to physical structures or equipment replacement are among the main factors associated with the emergence of health risks. Interventions in walls, passageways, or technical areas can expose previously hidden points of contamination. Therefore, sanitization before and after construction work is recommended, in addition to rigorous protocols for outsourced teams.
    
4. Increased protein inclusion requires revalidation.
   The increased use of fresh meats and animal-derived meals in premium formulations may require a reassessment of pathogen control steps. Validation studies conducted with lower protein inclusion levels may not reflect the current risk, especially when microbial loads are higher than initially considered.
    
5. Internal studies are fundamental.
   Internally conducted challenge studies are important for correlating laboratory data with industrial-scale production. Since pilot plants do not fully replicate the conditions of commercial extruders, it is necessary to generate proprietary data that demonstrate equivalence in parameters such as time, pressure, and humidity.
    
   
   
6. Preventive controls cannot be relaxed.
   Pressures to increase productivity should not compromise critical control parameters. Adjustments to gain efficiency should occur through research and process optimization—such as configuring pre-conditioners or adjusting speed—and not by reducing safety measures.
    
7. External evaluation enhances objectivity.
   Internal teams can lose the ability to identify vulnerabilities over time. Hiring external auditors and independent certifications is considered strategic to ensure an unbiased risk assessment.
    
8. Culture begins with leadership.
   Consistency between discourse and management practice is crucial for consolidating a safety culture. Inconsistencies in the use of personal protective equipment by managers, for example, signal weaknesses in institutional alignment.
    
9. Training should be accessible and ongoing.
   Simple, up-to-date training programs integrated into operational routines tend to generate greater participation. Digital systems with automatic alerts for procedure updates can reinforce a culture of continuous improvement, provided they are complemented by practical training.
    
10. Supplier verification is non-negotiable.
    The consistency of ingredients directly influences the safety and stability of the process. Regional variations in raw materials, such as wheat, can affect density, extrusion behavior, and microbial load. Annual audits, requirements for certificates of analysis, and transparent communication about changes in origin are considered essential measures.

FAQ about pet food safety

Why do structural changes increase health risks?
Because they can expose previously contaminated areas or create new breeding grounds for pathogens.

How often should the security system be inspected?
At least one full annual review is recommended, in addition to assessments whenever there are operational changes.

What is the role of leadership in food safety?
Management must demonstrate, in practice, the expected standard of conduct, strengthening the organizational culture.

Source: Cães & Gatos