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Purr-fectly Safe: Phageguard a Clean Label Solution for Raw Pet Food

A bowl of raw pet food with dog paws beside the bowl

Rising Concerns over Foodborne Pathogens in Raw Pet Food


A raw pet food company, committed to using natural ingredients and minimal processing, faced a major challenge: increasing levels of Salmonella and Listeria in their products. Their concerns intensified after reading an article highlighting a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw pet food that spanned across six Canadian provinces. The outbreak resulted in 21 cases in Quebec, 14 in Ontario, and additional cases in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and PEI



Though contaminated raw pet food poses minimal risk to pets, it significantly increases the potential for cross-contamination to humans—particularly vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly. In the U.S., authorities are cracking down on contamination in raw pet foods in accordance with Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 690.800, which addresses Salmonella in animal food.

“FDA considers a pet food to be adulterated under section 402(a)(1) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 342(a)(1)) when it is contaminated with Salmonella and will not subsequently undergo a commercial heat step or other commercial process that will kill the Salmonella.”

This zero-tolerance policy for contamination posed an additional challenge for the company as they were planning to expand into the U.S. market. They recognized the urgent need for an effective solution to meet new safety standards, protect consumers, and safeguard their brand's reputation in both Canada and the U.S. However, their commitment to natural, clean-label processing with minimal impact on organoleptic properties made it difficult to use many traditional food safety interventions, which conflict with these brand values.


Finding a Clean Label Solution


To address this challenge, the company turned to Think Ingredients to find a solution. After understanding their concerns and commitment to a clean label, we recommended Phageguard, a natural processing aid that uses phage technology to specifically target harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. Phageguard offers unique clean-label solutions, requiring no additional label disclosures, and has no impact on the color, flavor, texture, or odor of the final product.


Think Ingredients collaborated closely with the company to determine the optimal method and application points for Phageguard, focusing on high-risk areas in the processing line and direct application to the product. Throughout the process, we provided comprehensive support, including on-site visits and facility inspections, ensuring the most cost-effective and efficient approach to controlling harmful bacteria.


The Think Ingredients logo next to three phageguard bottles: anti Salmonella, anti Listeria and anti E.coli.

Controlling Foodborne Pathogens in Raw Pet Food


Phageguard not only effectively reduced harmful bacteria but also provided peace of mind as a safeguard against potential outbreaks. Since implementing Phageguard, the company has seen significant improvements in product safety, with harmful bacteria staying well within safe limits. This had allowed the company to continue providing high-quality raw meats in pet food without compromising on safety or relying on chemical ingredients. Phageguard has opened doors for U.S. market exports, further driving business growth. One happy customer noted:

"Since switching to this raw pet food, my dog absolutely loves it, and I feel so much safer knowing I don't have to worry about harmful bacteria. With young kids at home, it’s comforting to know I’m giving my pet something good without putting my family at risk.”

Phageguard has become a key component of their safety strategy, helping them maintain trust and confidence in their brand. The company’s commitment to safety has strengthened its relationship with customers, ensuring that pets can enjoy the product while their owners feel confident handling it without fear of harmful bacteria.


Boost Your Product's Safety Today


At Think Ingredients, we understand the critical importance of food safety, whether for people or pets. That's why we proudly partner with Phageguard to bring their innovative solutions to Canada, ensuring the highest safety standards for raw meat products. Phageguard effectively targets harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli without compromising the quality, flavor, texture, or appearance of your products.


If you're facing challenges with harmful bacteria, let’s work together to find the right solution. Our team is here to help you implement strategies like Phageguard to protect your customers and maintain the integrity of your products.

Think ingredients office space
 

Check out Phageguard Solutions: Here

FDA Guidance for Raw Pet Food:


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