23/02/2026

Study Indicates Good Acceptance of Insect-Based Wet Food by Dogs

Ingredients derived from insects are being explored as alternative sources of protein in pet nutrition. 
  In addition to their functional potential, these raw materials have attracted industry interest due to their versatility in both wet and dry formulations.
  A recent study evaluated the acceptance of wet dog food containing insect-based ingredients marketed under the PureeX and ProteinX brands, developed by Protix. 
  The results indicated that both the all-insect-based diet and the hybrid formulation—combining insects and chicken—were readily consumed by the participating animals.   How the study was conducted
The trial included 170 small and medium-sized dogs, all living in homes. According to the technical summary, these categories were selected because they are often considered more selective with regard to food.
  Two diets were evaluated. The first consisted exclusively of ingredients derived from the black soldier fly larva (Hermetia illucens), combining PureeX — described as a minimally processed ingredient — and ProteinX, an insect meal. 
  The second was a hybrid formulation that combined the same insect ingredients with fresh chicken.
  Each caregiver offered one of the diets for two consecutive days and then switched to the other formula for another two days. 
  During the testing period, participants were not informed about the composition of the products.
  At the end of each stage, those in charge evaluated the dogs' consumption. According to the report, both formulations were considered highly acceptable, with no statistically significant difference in intake between the 100% insect diet and the hybrid diet.   Behavioral assessment and sensory perception
In addition to the volume consumed, the study analyzed the dogs' behavior before, during, and after meals. 
  Among the responses associated with positive acceptance were wagging the tail before the food was offered, consuming the entire portion, and licking the lips after the meal. These behaviors were recorded in both diets.
  Those responsible also evaluated sensory attributes such as texture, aroma, and appearance. Both formulations received an average score of seven, on a scale of zero to ten, for these criteria.
  When asked for a recommendation, 82% said they would recommend a diet entirely based on insects, while 81% said they would recommend a hybrid formulation with chicken.
  According to the manufacturer, PureeX is indicated for use in moist foods and can also be included in dry extruded formulations, being available in fresh and frozen versions. ProteinX, on the other hand, is marketed as a protein ingredient in flour form.   Alternative protein on the rise
Insect proteins have been studied as alternatives to traditional sources, with the potential to contribute to formulations seeking ingredient diversification. 
  In addition to nutritional profile, manufacturers highlight functional and sustainability aspects as differentiating factors of this type of raw material.   FAQ about wet food with insect protein
Do dogs readily accept food containing insect protein?
According to the study, both the 100% insect formulation and the hybrid with chicken were readily consumed.
Was there a difference in consumption between the diets tested?
No. The report indicates that no significant difference in intake was observed.
  Can insect protein replace traditional proteins?
It is being studied as an alternative source, but the choice of diet should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian. Source: Cães & Gatos

13/02/2026

Tebrio boosts B Corp certification score to 96 points, up 11 from 2022

Salamanca, February 4, 2026- Tebrio, pioneering Spanish biotechnology company specializing in the comprehensive utilization of the Tenebrio molitor insect to produce sustainable natural ingredients, has achieved its B Corp recertification after successfully completing the rigorous social, environmental, and governance impact assessment conducted by the international organization B Lab.

With this recognition, Tebrio solidifies its position within a global community of 10,000 companies that meet high standards of social and environmental impact and share a common purpose: harnessing the power of business to drive positive change in the world. It has done so by exceeding its initial 2022 certification score by 11 points, reaching 96.1 points, more than 15 points above the 80 required for certification.

During this process, B Lab particularly recognized the company's responsible governance, commitment to the circular economy, ethical resource management, and contribution to social and economic development in rural areas. Since its first certification in 2022, Tebrio has continued to advance in integrating people-focused well-being policies, environmental efficiency, and transparency across its entire value chain.

Adriana Casillas, CEO and co-founder of Tebrio, emphasizes: "This recertification is much more than a certification: it is confirmation that we are building an industrial model committed to transparency, equity, and resilience. Being a B Corp means growing responsibly, grounding every advancement in a shared purpose: generating positive and lasting impact."   A Purpose-Driven Business Model   Since its founding, Tebrio has placed sustainability and responsible innovation at the core of its corporate strategy. Its production model is based on circular economy principles, transforming agricultural by-products into ingredients for applications in animal nutrition, regenerative agriculture, cosmetics, and green biotechnology.

This philosophy translates into a genuine commitment to rural areas and the transition to a fairer economy. The company promotes local talent development, fosters diversity within its workforce, and maintains business practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   A recognition that drives continuous improvement   Renewing B Corp certification is not an endpoint, but a commitment to ongoing transformation. Tebrio will continue advancing its sustainability strategy through progressive carbon footprint reduction, exclusive use of renewable energy, promotion of skilled rural employment, equal opportunities, team well-being, and transparency via externally verified impact reports.

This long-term vision reaffirms Tebrio's ambition to be a global benchmark in sustainable bioeconomy, where innovation and purpose integrate into every decision. The Salamanca-based company is currently immersed in building :oFarm, its innovative 100,000 m² industrial plant dedicated to the full production of protein and organic fertilizers from the Tenebrio molitor insect. Source: Tebrio
About B Corp Companies B Corp companies form part of a global community of 10,000 businesses that meet high standards of social impact, environmental performance, transparency, and governance, as verified by B Lab.

In Spain, 300 companies use the B Impact Assessment and collectively generate €12.34 billion in aggregated revenue, including food sector leaders like Danone and Hijos de Rivera, fashion brands such as ECOALF, Camper, and Patagonia, and banking institutions like Triodos Bank and imagin.

All share a common vision: redefining business success by measuring progress through their contribution to the well-being of people and the planet. Tebrio's B Corp certification also underscores its commitment to JEDI principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), fully integrated into its management model and organizational culture.


About Tebrio and o:Farm Tebrio is a biotechnology company headquartered in Salamanca, a global pioneer in the industrial breeding of Tenebrio molitor and the development of sustainable natural ingredients. Founded in 2014, its business model is grounded in the circular economy and innovation applied to sectors such as agriculture, food, and green biotechnology. Tebrio is currently advancing the construction of :oFarm, its industrial plant that will operate on 100% renewable energy from its own solar panels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable biotechnological production. Press Contact José Ángel Sanz – Head of Communications joseangel.sanz@tebrio.com Phone: +34 601 900 144 contact@tebrio.com Phone: +34 923 048 049 http://www.tebrio.com

13/04/2026

A Scientific Review of Clean Label Project’s Report on Heavy Metals in Dog Food  

While consumer safety and contaminant monitoring are critically important components of responsible pet food production, conclusions that influence purchasing decisions should be grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed science and free from conflicts of interest. The following evaluation assesses the CLP report's stated mission, research design, data interpretation, and the broader context of established toxicological thresholds for domestic animals.    The Clean Label Project 
As far back as 2017, the not-for-profit Clean Label Project has claimed its mission is to 'educate the consumer so they can make informed choices on cleaner options every time they shop.' It is important to note there is no regulatory definition for what a 'clean label' is. This means it is an arbitrary term that is open for interpretation.  
  In 2017, CLP surveyed pet parents to assess a possible link between pet food and cancer in pets. Jaclyn Bowen, Former Executive Director of CLP, stated their intention was 'to use this data to identify systematic relationships between brands of pet food and the incidence of cancer using both anecdotal reports from pet owners and our own analytical chemistry data on the presence of known or suspected carcinogens on pet food products.'  
  Unfortunately, the described survey relied entirely on pet parents uploading their pet's medical histories and the type of food they ate. There was no mention of how medical diagnoses, treatment of the medical condition, or the pet's diet were verified. This type of research leaves too many unaccounted-for variables, making it nearly impossible to draw any reliable scientific conclusions. In other words, it would be completely useless as sound research for the stated purpose of trying to identify if certain pet foods were correlated to cancer in pets.    Heavy Metal Contamination in Question 
CLP claims to have conducted over 11,000 tests on pet food for heavy metals (including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury), as well as bisphenols, phthalates, acrylamide, pesticides, and glyphosate. It claims to have tested tested 50 dry dog foods, 11 air-dried/freeze-dried dog foods, and 18 fresh/frozen dog foods out of the '79 top-selling' dog foods but does not say what data was used to determine which brands to test. It states that sources such as Nielsen, SPINS, Amazon, and others were used to determine which foods to test.  
  Interestingly, the CLP FAQ states that the CLP study is not peer-reviewed because 'it can take years' to complete. It is universally accepted in the scientific community that all credible research should undergo peer review,as it is our only tool to evaluate whether the research and the conclusions drawn are valid or flawed. It is okay to share preliminary, well-vetted research findings; still, evaluations by other research scientists are critical to determine the validity of findings. Since this CLP study has not undergone peer review of the data, it is impossible to validate any conclusions made from it. 
  It is also noted that, although CLP claims to be a non-profit, it completes all testing at 'an independent third-party laboratory' named Ellipse Analytics, which promotes CLP on its website. While third-party testing can be valuable, public cross-promotion between an organization and its testing partner can create perceived conflicts of interest and should be clearly disclosed and managed. 
  Additional context around CLP's survey methodology also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. CLP included links in its online pet cancer survey that asked pet parents to donate to its cause. Additionally,CLP included links directing survey takers to purchase pet food through Amazon affiliate links. When consumers used these links to purchase certain pet foods, even those classified as 'low-rated,' CLP reportedly received a commission (approximately 4%) on those sales. This creates a situation in which the organization may financially benefit from consumer purchasing behavior influenced by its own rating system.    Conflicts of Interest Continue 
CLP also operates a SKU-level certification program. On its website, it states the program 'is funded by a mix of donations, grants, and certification fees from brands that display the CLP mark on products that have been independently tested and evaluated to meet our standards.' Currently, only one complete-and-balanced pet food brand seems to have this certification, and, interestingly enough, it is among CLP's 'Clean Sixteen' top pet food brands reported to have the lowest levels of contamination. 
  Furthermore, the heavy metals study report compared three dog food categories overall, reporting heavy metals, phthalate, and acrylamide findings at the highest and average levels in each diet category. The study goes on to then conclude that the fresh/frozen diet category is superior because both the highest sample and average values of the dry and air dried/freeze dried categories depicted 'exceedingly high amounts of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead… because there are few regulations for dog food related to contaminants.' 
  It also stated that results were compared to more than 3,000 in human food, beverage, and supplement samples, illustrating the elevated contaminant levels in dog food compared to human-consumable products. The problem with this statement is that the human consumable products in question were not disclosed. Comparing complete-and-balanced pet foods to unnamed human foods is an irrelevant comparison, because there'snothing to base a conclusion upon.    Uncontrolled Variables Mean Untrustworthy Results 
A closer evaluation of CLP's comparison of the three diet categories reveals several uncontrolled variables that limit the conclusions' validity. One of those is very large moisture differences in the diet categories, which can drastically change the values of tested analytes. It is well-accepted that all pet food must be compared on a dry matter basis (accounting for high moisture in some formats, such as fresh/frozen and canned food) for nutritional analyses to be comparable across formats. This is known as an uncontrolled variable in research, and when present in a research summary, it confounds the conclusions and makes them useless. 
  This study also does not disclose where most of the 'contaminants' in pet food actually come from. For instance, it is well known that some ocean fish higher on the food chain may contain higher levels of heavy metals than poultry. This is well known, so if we wanted to compare diets with different proteins, it would not be valid to compare an ocean fish-based diet to a poultry diet. This is another uncontrolled variable in the CLP study.Also, the fact that the three diet categories were not comprised of the same number of diets is another uncontrolled-for or confounding variable that questions the validity of the reported values. 
  Further review of CLP's website reveals a 'Dog Food Contaminant Predictor.' CLP touts this self-described tool for consumers as being able to 'predict' the 'contaminants' in a pet food simply by a consumer typing a pet food ingredient list into the website. However, there is no credible way to predict the concentrations of heavy metals or other compounds from ingredient lists. Ingredients with the same name (i.e., wheat flour) may come from different ingredient suppliers, be grown and harvested in different parts of the world or different seasons of the year and may come from different varieties of the same ingredient name. All of these factors may affect levels of any elements, compounds, or nutrients in the ingredient.  
  To promote the idea that typing an ingredient list for a pet food into an online tool can accurately provide this information is highly misleading to pet food consumers. The only way to truly predict any element or compound in a pet food is to analyze the raw ingredients used to make it and use that information, along with finished product analyses, to validate accurate values. This 'contaminant predictor' has the potential to give misleading and unfounded information to pet food consumers about the diets they are feeding.     'Clean Sixteen'  
To test this theory, the ingredient declarations of the CLP's proclaimed 'Clean Sixteen' dog foods were typed into the Dog Food Contaminant Predictor tool. CLP describes these foods as '2026's highest-rated dog foods for purity.' When using ingredient declarations for these 16 diets from the manufacturer's websites, the Dog Food Contaminant Predictor ranks them for each 'contaminant' with the following scores: elevated, moderate, low/trace, and clean. It is unknown how each score description term was determined, as CLP does not share that information. 
  Plugging the ingredient declarations in for each of the 'Clean Sixteen' diets gave the following results:  Acrylamide: elevated for all 16 diets  Arsenic: elevated for two diets; moderate for 11; low/trace for two; clean for one  Cadmium: elevated for three, moderate for 10, low/trace for three  Glyphosate: elevated for all 16 diets  Bisphenols: elevated for all 16 diets  Pesticides: elevated for all 16 diets  Mercury: elevated for three, moderate for 13  Lead: elevated for two, moderate for 12, low/trace for one, clean for one
  After performing this exercise, it is hard to understand how CLP could claim diets to be 'clean' (which is still an arbitrary term) when very few of them scored on the 'low/trace' or 'clean' end of their unexplained rating system for the elements and chemicals measured. This suggests the 'Dog Food Contaminant Predictor' is nothing more than an arbitrary system that could very easily mislead consumers into thinking a diet is unsafe.There is simply no visible or reviewed evidence to prove this tool is helpful, and this may actually be harmful to pet parents.    Understanding Toxicology 
One of the worst conclusions observed in the review of this study centers on the heavy metal values reported and the CLP's concern about their values in the dry and air-dried/freeze-dried categories. Analytical techniques can detect extremely small amounts of these compounds, and the fact that they are present does not necessarily mean they are at levels that cause health concerns. It is important to keep in mind that, to date, it is unknown what level would be considered normal or safe for these heavy metals in pet food.  
  On the surface, having heavy metals detected in pet food sounds scary to pet food consumers; but one has to remember that heavy metals are naturally present in the soil, oceans, and even the atmosphere, all of which constitute where our food is grown and harvested. This means heavy metals are unavoidable to some degree and will be detectable in most human and pet foods. While surveillance of environmental contaminants is important, interpretation of such findings must occur within established toxicological frameworks.  
  In clinical toxicology, dose, bioavailability, duration of exposure, and species-specific tolerance are central to risk assessment. The CLP report claims arsenic was almost 12-times higher in dry food than in fresh/frozen, yet the highest value listed for arsenic in the dry pet food category is 442.3 parts per billion (ppb). Mineral Tolerance of Animals, published by the National Research Council (NRC), states that the accepted level of arsenic(Maximum Tolerable Level or MTL) in domestic animal diets is 30,000 ppb. This means that the highest reported arsenic level among all the dry pet foods tested is still more than 65-times below the NRC's recommended maximum tolerable level (MTL) for arsenic in domestic animal feed. 
  Similarly, reported cadmium concentrations (~154 ppb) are substantially below the 10,000 ppb level at which adverse effects have been documented in dogs; reported mercury levels (~35 ppb) fall far below the 1,000 ppbtolerance for inorganic mercury; and the highest reported lead value (~985 ppb) remains well under the NRC's MTL of 10,000 ppb. Based on currently established NRC MTLs, values reported by CLP do not even approach concentrations associated with adverse effects in dogs. Ongoing contaminant monitoring and regulatory oversight remain important, but conclusions regarding safety should be anchored to validated toxicologicalthresholds rather than analytical detectability alone.  
  Additionally, CLP analyzed for phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is a chemical used to make plastic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently evaluated the safety of phthalates used in plastic materials that come into contact with food. At this time, the FDA does not have a safe upper limit for phthalates in human or pet food, but is encouraging packaging and food manufacturers to use alternative plastic materials in packaging that comes into direct contact with food. This study cited the highest tested DEHP value at 570 ppb in the dry food category, and classifies this level as concerning without providing any basis for what an acceptable level of DEHP would be. Sound research should be performed to better understand the health implications of DEHP, but this study does not provide that. 
  Finally, CLP analyzed for acrylamides. Acrylamides form during the cooking process, resulting from reactions between amino acids in protein- and starch-containing ingredients, such as those found in pet food. The CLP study stated the dry food category had the highest tested level at 570 ppb. The FDA does not have limits on acrylamide levels in pet food. However, research that is available suggests that pet foods with up to 7,000 ppb of acrylamide are acceptable. Still, more research is needed to understand what, if any, level is detrimental in pet or even human food.  But again, this study does not provide that.    Don't Take This Study at Face Value 
In summary, the report detected trace environmental minerals at levels far below established safety limits. There is no credible evidence that these foods pose a health risk, and the CLP report lacks almost all scientific rigor. It is impossible to tell whether the shared data is valuable because of the too-numerous-to-count research flaws, incomplete data reporting, lack of identification of the human foods tested, and the staggering amountof confounding variables. 
  This research offers little-to-no value in its claim to help inform pet food consumers. What it does is draw a link between CLP, Ellipse Analytics, and a certification program that pet food companies can pay for to have their products listed if they meet non-regulatory, CLP-defined 'clean' criteria. This may be viewed as a direct conflict of interest between the 'research', how it is communicated, the conclusions drawn from it and business goals of all entities involved. 
  It is always good for nutrition research to continue in the pet industry, and this includes sound research in evaluating compounds and elements to better determine safe maximum levels. What isn't good is promoting non-transparent data disguised as research in a way that can mislead pet parents into switching from perfectly safe, wholesome products they may currently be feeding their pets.  It is important when performing research to work with experienced experts like those at BSM Partners that understand how to conduct, interpret and write about research in a credible manner that follows accepted scientific rigor principles.  Source: BSM Partners

20/08/2025

Understanding Pet Food Labels

The law requires that the label contains certain key pieces of information including a list of ingredients (referred to on the label as 'Composition'), additives and a nutritional analysis (referred to as 'Analytical Constituents') along with feeding guidelines.


Where can I find out more information about a product?
Pet food companies have customer care lines to answer any questions about their products (contact details are on the back of the pack). Many also have full product information on company websites. For more general information on pet food ingredients, please visit: www.fediaf.org.   Feeding guidelines
Feeding guidelines are for the average pet and you also need to consider size, age and the level of activity when deciding how much to feed your pet. Start by feeding the suggested amount and keep an eye on your pet's weight and body condition.
 
The best way to check how things are going is to perform a body condition score on your pet. The Pet Size-O-Meter1 is a tool developed by the British Pet Food Manufacturers Association to help doing this and is available through their website: www.pfma.org.uk.
    Download the factsheet or click here for more factsheets


Source: FEDIAF 


References
1 Body Condition Score Charts such as this Pet Size-O-Meter (PSOM) typically range from 1-5 or 1-9 in their scoring system. This 5 point PSOM has been designed to be used by pet owners to supplement their routine veterinary checks.

20/04/2026

Safeguarding Circularity: European Pet Food Industry Calls for Coherent EU Bioeconomy Policies  

The paper, Towards a coherent EU Bioeconomy: Safeguarding Sustainable Access to Category 3 Animal By-Products for Pet Food, highlights growing competition for these limited resources as demand from subsidised biofuels and biogas production increases under EU renewable energy policies.
  Category 3 ABPs—safe materials not consumed by humans but suitable for animal nutrition—are a cornerstone of the circular economy. The European pet food sector transforms these resources into nutritious products for around 300 million companion animals across Europe while supporting the rendering industry and reducing food waste.
  However, policy incentives linked to renewable energy frameworks are increasingly directing these materials toward energy recovery. According to FEDIAF, this risks undermining both circularity and the efficient use of biomass.
  'Category 3 animal by-products are a finite resource and play a critical role in pet nutrition and animal welfare,' said Franco Garbelotto, Deputy Secretary General of FEDIAF. 'EU policies should ensure that these valuable materials remain available for their highest-value uses within the feed chain before being directed to energy applications.'
  The position paper warns that diverting feed-grade animal fats and other ABPs toward energy may create unintended consequences. If these ingredients become less available, pet food manufacturers could be forced to rely more heavily on alternative raw materials with potentially higher environmental footprints and greater dependency on imports.
  FEDIAF therefore calls on EU policymakers to reinforce the cascading use principle, ensuring biological resources are used where they generate the greatest societal and environmental value. The association also stresses the importance of aligning renewable energy incentives with broader EU objectives on circularity, food security and sustainable resource management.
  The publication comes at a critical moment for EU policymaking. Several forthcoming initiatives—including discussions around the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the development of a Circular Economy Act, and the ongoing implementation and future review of renewable energy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive and sectoral fuel regulations—will shape how biomass resources are prioritised across Europe's economy.
  FEDIAF believes these policy processes offer an opportunity to ensure greater coherence between energy, agricultural and food-chain legislation. The association proposes measures such as improved monitoring of biomass flows, more transparent traceability of ABP use, and balanced incentive structures that avoid subsidising the use of feed-grade materials for energy.
  'The pet food industry is a reliable partner in Europe's circular bioeconomy,' Garbelotto added. 'With coherent policies and transparent data, Europe can simultaneously support climate ambitions, safeguard feed and food security, and strengthen the competitiveness of its bio-based industries.'
  FEDIAF stands ready to work with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders across the value chain to ensure biological resources are used efficiently and sustainably as Europe advances its climate and circular economy goals. Source: FEDIAF

11/03/2026

Strategies for Sustainability in the Pet Food Market  

What Makes A Sustainable Pet Food Product?  
When discussing sustainability, we consider a range of environmental, social and economic issues. The goal is to meet the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. While there is no all-encompassing definition of a sustainable ingredient or practice, we can use the above table to guide our decisions.   Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing
Sustainability starts in the pet food bag. It is becoming more prevalent to source pet food ingredients using sustainable methods to ensure there is minimal negative impact on ecological, environmental or human wellbeing. 

Sustainable Sourcing & Agronomy
Pet food manufacturers can partner with suppliers using sustainable sourcing practices. Kemin is one of the most vertically integrated suppliers of plant-based ingredients. Across the supply chain, Kemin controls the breeding, plant selection, growing, harvesting and extraction of our specialty crops. Kemin's rosemary and spearmint crops are grown to meet the world's most stringent operational standards. These crops are integrated into the production of Kemin's natural antioxidants.

Sustainable Proteins
Using alternative proteins can reduce the dependency on traditional proteins used in human food supply. Options for sustainably-sourced proteins include certain varieties of fish, nuts and seeds, which also provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for pets. Using invasive species as a protein source also benefits the environment from which they're removed. Many pet food manufacturers are also exploring insect proteins, which offer a source of protein for pets that's not in competition with human food supply.

Rendered Products
Another commonly unrecognized source of sustainable proteins are rendered products. Rendering creates valuable fats and proteins filled with vitamins and minerals for pets. Rendering is recycling; as this process makes use of 56 billion pounds1 of raw materials in the U.S. and Canada every year that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
  Sustainable Packaging
Much of what we consume comes packaged, and most plastic packaging can take 10 to 1,000 years to decompose. But new, innovative solutions can be used to save space in landfills. Some sustainable packaging solutions in the pet food industry include:
  Recycled cardboard, paper or plastic Innovative biodegradable options such as bioplastics Reusable containers for bulk transport
  The trend of small, individually-packaged pet food portions is not as sustainable as including multiple portions in one package. Pet food manufacturers can optimize portion sizes by using antioxidants and food safety ingredients to help maintain the shelf life of larger packages of pet food.
Third-Party Certifications
The pet food industry is constantly impacted by new trends and shifting consumer perceptions. Because of this, consumers are wary of 'greenwashing' efforts by companies to appear sustainable without proof of verified or certified practices. There is a variety of third-party certifications that pet food manufacturers can use to certify how their products are produced, including:
  Certifications for ingredients: Sustainable seafood (MSC – certified – Marine Stewardship Council) Sustainably Grown (SCS Global) RSPO or RTRS (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil & Roundtable for Responsible Soy) Non-GMO USDA Organic  
Certifications within production & operations: Supply chain certifications that evaluate traceability, ingredient integrity and ethical and transparent sourcing Animal Welfare Certified Renewable energy and net-zero emissions Sustainable and recyclable packaging Certified vegan      Sustainability at Kemin
Sustainability is a key area of focus at Kemin, as reflected in our vision statement. Along with sustainable agronomy practices, Kemin has sustainability initiatives for energy, waste, conservation, and biodiversity. Learn more about sustainability at Kemin here.   Key Takeaways   Sustainability is now a mainstream expectation among pet owners
Pet owners are increasingly choosing sustainably produced and packaged products, making sustainability a core market driver rather than a niche trend. 
  Sustainable ingredient sourcing is central to reducing environmental impact
Pet food manufacturers are shifting toward sustainably grown, plant‑based, alternative, and upcycled protein sources—such as rosemary, spearmint, insect proteins, and rendered products—to lessen resource strain and promote environmental health. 
  Vertically integrated and certified supply chains support stronger sustainability outcomes
Kemin highlights its vertically integrated model as a way to ensure responsible agronomy, regenerative practices, and traceable ingredients throughout the supply chain. Source: Kemin Nutrisurance

07/05/2026

Exceeding Wet Pet Food Expectations with Smarter Processing  

How people relate to their animals has changed. Pets today have transitioned from a traditional working role into full family members, and owner expectations on pet food are shifting to match.
  The opportunities for wet pet food processors have never been greater. From the well-documented COVID-19 pet adoption wave to the emerging middle-class economies of Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Eastern Europe; the pet food market has seen consistent growth. The 2026 market value exceeds US$1.61 billion and has a projected growth rate of 5% through to 2030.
  Market growth also drives market competition and success in this booming area demands more than a good recipe. It requires the right production infrastructure, from raw material receiving to the dispatch of consistent quality end products.   Pet owners have changed
Today's pet owner has changed and processors who want to take advantage of this market need to change with them. Pet owners are informed, intentional, and increasingly apply the same values to their pet's food as they do to their own. Owners today want to know what is in the product, where it came from, and what it does for their animal. Functional health claims such as—digestive health, skin and coat condition, joint support—are driving purchasing decisions in ways that would have seemed marginal a decade ago.
  Premium and super-premium segments and single-serve pouches are two pet food trends seeing growth.   Opportunities for processors
The pressure on pet food processors to innovate is constant. As they respond to demand for personalized, functional formulas, processors require more from wet food production lines than ever before.
  To diversify products, processing lines need to be able to handle complexity, be flexible enough to accommodate product variation, consistent enough to ensure quality across end products, and robust enough to sustain throughput at scale. Managing all of this while protecting margins, maintaining high throughput, and scaling to meet growing demand is an endless operational challenge.
  While the recipes for wet pet food are obviously crucial for market success, without the right production line, even the finest ingredients won't result in a premium end product. To ensure your product lines reach their market potential, every stage of the process from raw material intake through to the sealed, sterilized packaging at the end of line must contribute to the outgoing quality.   FTNON PST Steam Tunnel Pet Food
Processing for consistent quality
Quality is determined across every stage of production, from meat preparation through cooking, canning, and sterilization, to the moment a finished; shelf-stable unit leaves the facility. The finest ingredients and the most precise recipe deliver a premium product only if the production system can reliably repeat the formula batch after batch, day after day.
  JBT Marel brings more than 50 years of experience in wet pet food technology to processors who are building brands that last. Our integrated solutions cover the complete production journey, ensuring every stage of production is making the highest quality product from your raw material.
  Solutions to integrate
Repeatable recipes are the first step to a consistent end product. Meat preparation is where raw materials, fresh or frozen, come together. Meat is analyzed, inspected, and loaded into a COMBIGrind for coarse grinding, or a TREIF Dicer for dicing. Other ingredients are added for mixing before the product is emulsified, rolled, and roped, ready for cooking.
  The natural looking chunks that communicate quality to a pet owner are a direct output of how the cooking process is managed. Steam technology is the most effective way of cooking and the most economical. Gentle cooking through a FTNON Steam tunnel, such as the DCC Steamer, ensures emulsified food retains texture, structure, and nutritional integrity.
  Increasing food safety and meeting compliance requirements is an exercise in risk management. Our Static Retort- Steam Water Spray™ (SWS) gives processors the ability to run validated, automated thermal cycles with complete data capture and full batch traceability. In a market where transparency is becoming a baseline consumer expectation, a sterilization process that enables transparency is a tool for consumer trust building.

Packaging is what consumers are first attracted to. To get your product in shopping baskets, putting your premium pet food in the right pack is an important step. Trends for single-serve pouches and cans, plus labels that provide accurate data on ingredients, sourcing, and compliance, are becoming the main stay of today's pet food supermarket aisle. The Unifiller ensures fill accuracy, product presentation and weight consistency reducing giveaway.   The production line as a single solution
In a growing and demanding market, a production system built to perform as a whole is a significant advantage.  
  JBT Marel provides integrated hardware, software, and service, that supports our customers and ensures they have the adaptability systems that can keep them leading in the competitive pet food market.   Consumers focus on the product
Consumers see the ingredients on your packaging, the end products in a bowl, and the reaction of their pets. Filling those packages with consistent, quality products will ensure what they see brings them back to your brand and helps increase your market share of this growing industry.
  Having the equipment that keeps your product consistent and reliable, and your lines flexible to meet the next pet food trend, helps ensure your pet food brand is ready for the future of this growing market.
  Are you ready to explore more? JBT Marel and Wenger will be at Interzoo 2026
  For the first time at Interzoo, JBT Marel and Wenger technology will be on the same stand. Join us to dive into the possibilities of two experts in the industry. Source: JBT Marel

19/03/2026

Dana Technology: Flexibility and Efficiency for the Pet Food Market

Dana Technology, renowned for innovative processing systems, develops solutions to address these demands. Its approach not only expands installed capacity but also designs versatile production lines adaptable to different formats using the same equipment, optimizing resources and ensuring high profitability.
The Main Challenges for Modern Plants
The production of different types of food traditionally requires independent production lines: one dedicated to wet food and another to snacks and semi-wet products. Although this model is traditional, it presents evident limitations: it occupies significant space, increases operational costs, and requires more personnel. In most cases, a high-capacity line operates below its potential, resulting in inefficiencies that affect profitability.

Based on the premise 'instead of getting more equipment, integrate the processes,' Dana offers technology that allows the same line to operate interchangeably with wet chunks or semi-wet products, adjusting time and steam baking levels as required. As a result, manufacturers can respond to different demands without costly plant expansions.

One of the most significant advancements introduced by this approach is the replacement of batch processing, which is characterized by manual conveying and lower efficiency in continuous flow operations. Products move from composition to baking and, depending on the objective, to drying or packaging. This structure not only accelerates production time but also enhances consistency and reduces management risks.
FlexLine™, the Flagship System
The Wet-Semi Moist FlexLine™ stands out among Dana's solutions. It is designed to alternate between wet and semi-wet products within the same equipment. The system incorporates a steam tunnel that ensures precise thermal processing and controlled drying through temperature zones and airflow regulation. This flexibility eliminates the need for double lines, optimizing investment and plant space.

Semi-wet food does not require autoclaved sterilization as wet products do, representing significant operational savings for manufacturers.

Combining two processes in a single line represents more than reduced investment costs: it streamlines management, improves human resource allocation, and ensures a better response to consumers who demand variety, quality, and transparency.
Conclusion: Toward a Smarter Pet Food Future
The future of pet food processing lies not in having more equipment but in creating smarter solutions adaptable to each company's needs. With developments such as FlexLine™, Dana Technology reaffirms its commitment to innovation and provides manufacturers with tools that combine flexibility, efficiency, and quality within the same system.

Know more about Dana's solutions at https://dana-technology.dk/ By DANA Technology
Source: All Pet Food

18/05/2026

Feeding Cats in Their Golden Years: Insights from our Latest Study  

A recent study from researchers at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, carried out in collaboration with Royal Canin, provides much-needed insights 
  'Twenty-Four-Hour Feeding Patterns of In-Home Healthy Aging Cats Fed Wet, Dry or a Combination of Wet and Dry Diets Ad Libitum' published in Animals Special Issue on Nutrition, Physiology and Metabolism of Companion Animals scientifically supports feeding guidelines for senior cat owners.  
  Dr Scott McGrane, Senior Research Manager, and senior author of the study, says: 'Our study aims to strengthen the growing body of research on senior cat nutrition.  
  'The data we've gathered – from 134 healthy cats aged seven and above – is crucial for enhancing our understanding of this understudied group. It offers clear recommendations that could improve the health of aging cats.'    Our findings: calorie requirements, urinary tract health and eating habits  
Most calories were consumed from all-dry food. When fed all-wet food, the cats consumed the least calories and may fall short of their daily recommended maintenance energy requirements.  
  We observed that cats drunk significantly less water on an all-wet diet but still had a higher overall water intake – combining water drunk and water from food – compared with an all-dry diet.  
  Because older cats have a higher risk of lower urinary tract diseases, our findings suggest feeding a mix of wet and dry food to benefit from wet food's advantage regarding urinary tract health and dry food's higher caloric density. 
  We also discovered that aging cats consumed about six small meals of dry food, or seven small meals of wet or mixed diets, over a 24-hour period.     Going forward: our recommendations for senior cat nutrition 
  Our findings show that the feeding guidelines for healthy aging cats over seven years should recommend several small meals per day, using a combination of wet and dry diets. This should satisfy the aging cat's grazing behaviour, balance calorie intake, and help support urinary tract health benefits.  
  At the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, we're committed to ensuring that pets of every age get the care and consideration they need. It's all part of our mission to build A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™.  Source: Waltham Petcare Science Institute References 
Lumbis, R. H. (2018). Nourishing Dogs and Cats Through Their Twilight Years. Veterinary Nurse, 9, 75–82.   Montoya, M., Morrison, J. A., Arrignon, F., Spofford, N., Charles, H., Hours, M. A., & Biourge, V. (2023). Life Expectancy Tables for Dogs and Cats Derived from Clinical Data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1082102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102    

15/05/2026

Beyond Weight Control: Designing Diets for Spayed and Neutered Pets  

Spay and neuter procedures create meaningful changes in a pet's physiology that can influence metabolism, growth, disease risk, and long-term health. Knowing about these changes helps pet owners make better-informed decisions about whether and when to spay or neuter, as well as how to support their pet afterward.
  Biologically, the spaying and neutering procedures eliminate the primary sources of sex hormones. In females, spaying removes the ovaries and eliminates estrogen and progesterone production, while neutering removes the testicles and dramatically reduces testosterone production in males. These hormones impact much more than just reproduction; they also regulate appetite, energy expenditure, muscle maintenance, bone development, and insulin sensitivity. When they are removed, the body adapts to a new hormonal 'normal,' and that adaptation has lifelong implications.   Eyes Bigger Than Your Stomach?
One of the most consistent changes seen after a spay or neuter surgery is a reduction in metabolic energy needs. Research in dogs and cats notes that resting energy requirements frequently drop by roughly 20% to 30% after sterilization. At the same time, appetite may stay the same or even increase. This dietary mismatch of needing fewer calories but wanting more food explains why weight gain is so common in spayed and neutered pets. Importantly, weight gain is not inevitable, but it becomes much easier if feeding habits are not adjusted.
  Excess weight is not a cosmetic issue. Obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition that increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes, urinary tract disease, cardiac stress, and reduced lifespan. Cats are particularly vulnerable. Neutered male cats often experience increased appetite and decreased activity, especially when they live indoors. In cats, excess body fat is one of the strongest risk factors for developing diabetes mellitus, a disease that can require chronic insulin therapy. Dogs, especially small breeds and already low-activity pets, are also at higher risk of unhealthy weight gain after sterilization.
  Spaying and neutering procedures can likewise influence body composition. Sex hormones help maintain lean muscle mass, which plays a critical role in metabolism. After surgery, pets may lose muscle more easily if protein intake or activity levels are inadequate. Muscle loss further slows metabolism, exacerbating weight management challenges. It is here that post-spay and -neuter nutrition should address not only calorie limits, but also sufficient protein to conserve lean tissue.   The Metabolic Elephant in the Room
While spay and neuter procedures are prevalent, it is surprisingly uncommon for pet diets to be created specifically for the metabolic requirements of spayed or neutered animals. Many of the foods marketed as 'weight management' target calorie reduction without necessarily accounting for changes in appetite regulation, the preservation of lean muscle, or long-term metabolic health. 
  From a formulation standpoint, this represents a missed opportunity. Spayed and neutered pets are not a niche population; they represent most dogs and cats, and their nutritional needs are physiologically distinct.
  For formulators and pet food companies, this raises an important question: Should we be doing more to design diets that proactively support pets after these types of surgeries? Spayed/neutered formulation diets may focus on optimal energy density, muscle protection, higher-quality protein intake, appropriate fiber for satiety, and nutrient profiles suited to long-term metabolic status. As veterinary wisdom becomes increasingly personalized regarding the timing of spay and neuter procedures, nutrition approaches will need to adapt accordingly.   The Positive Side of Fixing Pets
Despite these metabolic circumstances, however, spay and neuter procedures offer substantial health benefits that remain central to veterinary advice.
  For a female dog or cat, spaying removes the possibility of developing a life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra, the risk for which can increase with age and often requires emergency medical care. Spaying also substantially lowers the risk of mammary cancer, especially when performed before the first or second heat cycle. Mammary tumors in dogs are malignant in about half of cases, making prevention especially valuable.
  In male pets, neutering eliminates the potential for testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease. It can also decrease hormone-driven behaviors such as roaming, urine marking, and some forms of aggression. These behavioral changes can lower the risk of injuries and accidents while improving the quality of life for both pets and their families.
  In recent years, veterinary recommendations around the timing of spay and neuter procedures have become more individualized. Historically, many pets were neutered around six months of age. While this schedule is still appropriate for many animals, emerging research has shown that factors such as breed, adult size, and health risk profile matter alongside timing, particularly in dogs. In some large- and giant-breed dogs, delaying spay or neuter until skeletal maturity may reduce the risk of certain orthopedic conditions.
  That evolving guidance doesn't mean spaying and neutering are less crucial. Instead, it represents a move down the path of personalized medicine. Veterinarians now weigh population control, cancer risk, orthopedic health, behavior, and lifestyle when counseling pet parents. Major veterinary organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), continue to support spaying and neutering as important parts of preventive care while emphasizing individualized decision-making.
  Cats are a notable exception in some respects. Early-age spay and neuter is still preferred in cats, given their rapid sexual maturity, increased reproductive capability, and the ongoing problem of overpopulation. Cats do not seem to have the orthopedic issues that come with early spaying/neutering in some dogs. However, the metabolic effects of neutering in cats are significant, making proactive nutrition and weight monitoring just as important.   Zooming Out
The good news for pet owners is that a few simple, proactive steps can have a significant impact on long-term health. Adjusting food portions early, rather than waiting for weight gain, can help prevent obesity altogether. Monitoring body condition score rather than relying solely on the number on the scale provides a more accurate picture of health risk, while regular activity, play, and environmental enrichment help counteract the post-sterilization metabolic slowdown and support mental well-being.
  Spaying and neutering are state-altering transitions in a pet's physiology. When these hormonal and metabolic changes are anticipated and managed thoughtfully, pets can enjoy the many benefits of sterilization without unintended health consequences. For the pet food industry, this transition also represents an opportunity to innovate, developing diets that truly reflect the biology of today's spayed and neutered pets.
  For companies looking to lead in evidence-based, individualized nutrition, BSM Partners helps translate veterinary science into targeted formulations that support pets through every life stage, including life after spaying and neutering. Source: BSM Partners

07/04/2026

Digital Twins in the Pet Food Industry: From Simulation to Predictive Control

What Digital Twins Are and How They Are Used Today
A digital twin is a dynamic, virtual representation of a physical object, process, or entire an production system. Unlike static simulation, it continuously utilizes real data from sensors and control systems, enabling it to accurately reflect the current state of the process and predict its future behavior.

According to IBM, digital twins are currently used in manufacturing to improve operational efficiency, optimize processes, reduce failures, accelerate product development, and enable predictive maintenance. In industrial environments, their application ranges from individual production lines to entire plants, integrating operating variables, energy consumption, quality, and equipment performance, as well as supporting plant planning, virtual testing of new products, layout optimization, and control of complex processes, among other uses.
From Simulation to Predictive Decision-Making
The advancement of digital twins is closely linked to the convergence of process simulation, industrial sensors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. This integration enables manufacturers to move from a reactive model—based on manual sampling and subsequent adjustments—to a predictive and preventive approach.

According to an article by StartUs Insights, the market for digital twins applied to manufacturing could reach USD 714 billion by 2032, driven by the need to optimize complex processes and reduce operational inefficiencies. The same report indicates that more than 81% of global companies are already actively exploring the industrial metaverse, and that 62% increased their investment in these technologies over the past year.

These figures reflect a structural shift: simulation is no longer limited to the design stage but is becoming a central tool for day-to-day plant management.

The study, Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review, identifies four main approaches to applying digital twins in the food industry, defined by their role within the production system. First, forecasting digital twins are used to anticipate the future behavior of processes or equipment based on the analysis of historical data and current conditions, enabling the prediction of deviations, inefficiencies, or failures before they occur. Second, reactive simulation models allow real-time process monitoring and autonomous responses to deviations, adjusting operating variables and recommending corrective or preventive actions. A third approach is virtual commissioning, which utilizes digital twins to test, validate, and optimize new technologies, equipment, or plant configurations in a virtual environment before physical implementation. Finally, synchronization-based simulation keeps the digital twin aligned in real time, or near real time, with the physical system, creating a highly accurate representation of the process that is especially valuable for scenario analysis, operational optimization, and improved decision-making in complex systems.
How Do Digital Twins Contribute to the Pet Food Industry?
Focusing specifically on the pet food industry, raw material variability is one of the main factors affecting final product quality. Ingredients, such as cereals, protein meals, fats, and animal by-products naturally fluctuate in moisture, protein content, fat levels, and particle size distribution.

According to a technical analysis published by Haskell, these variations directly affect critical operations such as extrusion and drying, influencing attributes such as texture, density, nutritional stability, and product shelf life. Traditional control methods often detect these deviations only after the product has already been produced, leading to reprocessing, waste, and efficiency losses. Digital twins, by contrast, anticipate these effects before they impact the final product.

In pet food production, a digital twin is built from models that represent the thermal, mechanical, and dynamic behavior of each unit operation (mixing, conditioning, extrusion, drying, and cooling). These models are powered in real time with data from sensors installed in the plant, such as ingredient moisture measurements, extruder barrel temperature, screw speed, pressure, airflow, and dryer parameters. This information synchronizes the virtual model with the real process, creating a living representation of the plant in operation.

In closed-loop control systems, besides observing the process, digital twins predict how variations in raw materials will affect the final product and automatically adjust operating parameters to compensate—often even before the ingredient enters the extruder.
Benefits of Implementation
Implementing digital twins delivers tangible benefits at multiple levels. First, it significantly improves product consistency by reducing batch-to-batch variability, a key factor for consumer trust and brand reputation.

By preventing out-of-spec production, raw materials and energy waste are reduced. This approach also optimizes energy consumption and increases throughput without compromising quality, directly impacting operating costs.

Another strategic benefit is to hasten product development. Formulations can be tested virtually, evaluating their performance in the process before conducting physical trials, thereby reducing time, risk, and costs associated with industrial testing.

Added to this is the ability to integrate predictive maintenance, using digital twins to detect deviations in equipment performance and anticipate failures, avoiding unplanned downtime.
Digital Twins: Key Technology for Building Truly Connected Plants
The incorporation of digital twins marks a turning point in how pet food production plants are managed. It is no longer just about automation, but about deeply understanding the process, anticipating deviations, and making decisions based on real, comparable data.

In a context where efficiency, sustainability, and quality are increasingly decisive, digital twins are consolidating their role as a strategic tool for manufacturers seeking to scale, differentiate, and build truly connected and resilient plants. By Candelaria Carbajo – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
Gallagher, Nick (Updated October 17, 2025) What is a Digital Twin? IBM
Prasser, David R. (July 21, 2025). Future of Manufacturing: 13 Trends Driving 2026-2035 Growth. StarUs Insights
Abdurrahman, Emadaldin Elfatih M. & Ferrari, Giovanna. (April 3, 2025). Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review. Frontiers
Haskell. (December 19, 2025). A Process Engineering Perspective on Digital Twins in Pet Food Manufacturing.

By María Candelaria Carbajo

03/04/2026

Eyes That Never Blink: How AI Is Transforming Food Inspection and Safety  

AI has been a firestorm, sweeping through almost every aspect of our day-to-day, and the same can be said for food manufacturing. AI may be the new tool that will allow almost any product to finally achieve 100% inspection, reducing defects and failures at the consumer level. So too, we are seeing incredible advancements in AI-driven food manufacturing, which, when fully developed and capitalized, will most certainly reset the bar for what consumers consider a 'high-quality' product.
  Advancements are infiltrating many aspects of daily life for food safety and quality professionals. This is leading to some very exciting initiatives to prevent deviations from specification and enhance manufacturers' ability to ward off potential food safety problems.
  There are many advancements hitting the marketplace, but some worth mentioning are in the following areas.   Vision Systems
Some of the most common quality complaints include missing labels, misaligned labels, missing or illegible code dates, the wrong label for the product, seal failures, and other packaging defects. New optical cameras with AI technology can automatically detect and remove these types of defects well before the consumer purchases them. Many systems use multipoint inspection, like the one pictured below, and can view a package from a 360° perspective. When defined parameters are exceeded, the product is automatically removed from the line. 
  Photo courtesy of ANTARES VISION S.p.A   These systems can even detect various foreign materials, such as hard and soft plastics, wood, and other materials, based on their optical signatures.   Metal Detection and X-Ray Systems
Metal detectors are common in most food operations where knives and blades are used for protein harvest or when grinding protein-based products. They are used as a food safety measure for foreign materials that can cause harm when ingested. X-ray systems are often used for harder types of foreign materials, such as bones, cartilage, glass, and metal. In the past, this equipment was only as useful as the number of false positives it would produce during a production shift.
  Now, with advances in AI algorithms, these smart detectors can discern multiple types of materials in pieces, much like the technology used to screen luggage at the airport does, in multiple layers or overlapping placement. This ensures foreign material is detected accurately and distinguishes between various types and the number of foreign objects in a product.  This will allow for early detection and root cause prevention   Hyperspectral Technology
This is a fascinating new field that will likely revolutionize food safety. These systems utilize spectroscopic measurements and ultra-sensitive cameras to detect images at the pixel level, across very narrow wavelength ranges within spectral bands, providing a 3D view of the test sample. It's like incorporating a microscope and a microbiologist at the same time. This type of testing is very rapid and does not use any chemicals, making it very environmentally friendly. The system is literally looking for live organisms in a sample and can even quantify them, so it is very accurate.   Source: Pandey AK, Samota MK, Kumar A, Silva AS and Dubey NK (2023). Fungal mycotoxins in food commodities: present status and future concerns. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7:1162595. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1162595.   Predictive Microbial Risk Modeling
AI systems analyze historical data, such as environmental monitoring results, sanitation logs, and process data, to predict where microbial contamination is most likely to occur in a facility. These predictive systems help companies prevent contamination rather than simply responding to it. By being predictive rather than reactive, food safety and sanitation professionals can reduce sanitation failures, line downtime, and prevent recalls. These models could also be used to validate environmental testing programs and food safety plans.
One additional integration for predictive modeling and food safety inspection is that it monitors employees' adherence to good manufacturing practices. AI is now being used to ensure employees do not use utensils that fall on the floor, use soiled equipment, or forget to wash their hands when working with food.   Enhanced Grading and Sorting Systems
By using optical cameras integrated with smart AI, machines can now be taught to recognize correct shapes and colors, and previously subjective quality grades can be measured objectively. If you have a baked kibble product, for example, how dark is too dark?
  As quality professionals, we used to create picture-based scales to train employees on color and shape, but these tools were only as good as the original picture-taker and the printer you had to display the grading. Now, camera technology has gotten so good that a color scale and a given shape template can be programmed to ensure each piece of treat or kibble is within specification. This uniformity will lead to higher yields and fewer packaging issues, as the product itself will be more consistent.   Process Control Monitoring for Food Safety and Processing Parameters
Examples include thermal process schedule reviews, critical control point (CCP) and process control point (PCP) monitoring, and temperature and weight monitoring. One limitation of inspection is that you may only be able to perform it at a limited frequency, say, once per hour.
  Almost anything that can be continuously measured can now be enhanced with AI logic to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of all your critical or process control points. This provides tons of data, and as root causes are identified and logged for a deviation or failure, your AI system will begin to predict useful information, such as, 'Your average temperature deviation is every 41 days and has been assigned to a sensor failure. You should add it to the preventive maintenance list to change or check every 40 days.' Real-time monitoring also increases release time and does not need a formal pre-shipment review.   Unblinking Eyes: The Future of Food Safety
The creativity and uses for AI in food safety and quality systems are only now being realized. The market for equipment and use is only in its infancy. As a food safety and quality professional, I am excited to see how more advanced technology, like these systems that never get fatigued and have 'eyes that never blink,' is implemented.
  If you share my enthusiasm or have a compelling use case from your own operation, please share it in the comments. The future of food safety will be written not just by the technology itself, but by the professionals bold enough to implement it. By August Konie
Source: BSM Partners
  About the Author
August Konie has been a Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Professional for over 30 years. He was worked in many sectors of the food industry including fisheries, beverages, poultry, pork and pet food, under both FDA and USDA regulatory oversight. As an active committee member in various trade organization for food and pet food organizations, he was successful of implementing new regulatory guidance. He has worked with various teams across Asian, Europe, North and South American on various food safety, quality and import/export concerns. He currently serves as the Principal of BSM Assurance overseeing FSQAR activities at BSM Partners.