A whopping 68% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 82.5 million homes, according to the 2013-2014 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. Some 56.7 million U.S. households own at least one dog, while 45.3 million households own at least one cat. About 83.3 million dogs and about 95.6 million cats are owned in the United States.

For most of us whose lives are enhanced and enriched by pets, our animals are beloved members of the family and we are devoted to their well-being. For 2014, it is estimated that $58.51 billion will be was spent on our pets in the U.S. and $23.62 billion of that is estimated to be spent on food.

Pet food and its many ingredients are susceptible to all of the same biological, chemical and physical contaminants that can threaten human consumables. The death of a pet due to contaminated food is devastating to the people that love them. Contaminated pet food also poses a health risk to people that handle it.

Since 2010, there have been more than 50 product recalls associated with pet foods potentially contaminated with Salmonella. As of May 1, 2014, FDA has received approximately 4,800 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats.The 2007 melamine contamination resulted in the biggest pet food recall in history and a $24 million class-action court settlement.

The importance of pet food safety cannot be over emphasized. Our pets depend on us to provide them safe food and treats free of deadly hazards. 

This symposium addresses major pet food safety issues and developments, and provides information and tools to address them, including preventative controls, ingredient scrutiny and FSMA regulations.

Presentations