Petfood Industry Electronic Newsletter March 06, 2007
 

March 20, 2007
Volume 7, Number 6

This newsletter is also available in an Acrobat PDF format. To download the PDF click on the following link: Mar20PDF.

Your free copy of the Petfood Industry Electronic Newsletter is sponsored by AFB International, maker of Optimizor® and BioFlavor® brand palatants. AFB is the petfood industry's first choice for dog and cat food palatants. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.afbinternational.com.

Here's what's been happening lately:

 

Industry news

Menu Foods Inc. announces recall of wet food products
Menu Foods Inc. recently announced a precautionary recall of its “cuts in gravy” style dog and cat foods produced at two of its US facilities between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The products are packaged in cans and pouches under numerous brand names and are marketed nationwide by many petfood retailers including Ahold USA Inc., Kroger Company, Safeway, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., PetSmart Inc. and Pet Valu Inc.

The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and by trials conducted by the manufacturer. There have been reported instances of cats and dogs in the US that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product. Ten deaths, one dog and nine cats, have been reported thus far. Shortly after receipt of the first complaint, Menu Foods initiated a substantial battery of technical tests, conducted by both internal and external specialists, but has failed to identify any issues with the products in question.

Menu Foods has listed all the potentially contaminated products online at www.menufoods.com/recall. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods to ensure the effectiveness of the recall. Consumers who wish to report adverse actions or other problems can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.

Menu Foods discovered that timing of the production associated with the complaints coincides with the introduction of an ingredient from a new supplier. The manufacturer stopped using this ingredient shortly after this discovery, and production since then has been undertaken using ingredients from another source. In addition to changing suppliers, Menu has increased testing of all raw materials and finished goods.

Menu estimates that based on currently available information, this recall could cost between US$30 million and US$40 million. Menu is continuing to produce product, utilizing a different supplier for the ingredient in question, to replenish its customers as quickly as possible.

Sniffers LifeStages treats introduced
Chomp Inc., the manufacturer of pet treats, training products and meal enhancers under the brands Yip Yap, Sniffers and Pit'r Pat, announced today that it has introduced a new product line, Sniffers LifeStages. According to Chomp, the product is the first all-natural, semi-moist treat on the market developed specifically for the puppy, adult and senior lifestages of a dog.

“We saw a real need in the market for an all-natural, semi-moist treat that addressed the specific needs of dogs as they grow and change,” said Ken Meyers, CEO of Chomp Inc. “We worked hard to develop each product so that the ingredients provide the optimal health benefits to support the different stages of a dog's life.” The Sniffers LifeStages Treats will be available in May 2007, and will come in 6-oz. stand-up pouches.

Learn now—or lose
We know that to stop learning is a bad sign. Here are three learning events providing expert advice, supplier insights and a chance to talk with other petfood professionals:

For details check our websites or E-mail Marcia Riddle (attendees) at mriddle@wattnet.net or Ginny Stadel (exhibitors) at gstadel@wattnet.net. Please join Petfood Industry for one or more of these worthwhile experiences.

ZuPreem introduces products for small animal pets
New Nature's Promise line of pelleted foods and hay products for small animal pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are now on pet retailers' shelves. Hay products include Western Timothy Hay, Premium Alfalfa Hay and Premium Orchard Grass, packaged in several sizes of bags, that allow pet owners to view the hay. According to ZuPreem, the hay comes from one source in Idaho, USA, and ranks as the highest grade available.

Alternative temperature-indicating devices considered by FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a proposed rule which, if finalized, would enable manufacturers of heat-processed low-acid canned foods to use alternative temperature-indicating devices (TIDs). Under the proposal, these devices, which are reportedly the state-of-the-art equipment for measuring and recording temperatures, may be used instead of, or in addition to, conventional mercury-in-glass thermometers (MIGs).



If finalized, the proposed rule would amend FDA's current regulations for the processing of low-acid canned foods and clarify such requirements as recordkeeping and the rules for measuring and recording temperatures during processing. The proposal also includes metric equivalents of avoirdupois ( US ) measurements. The agency will allow low-acid canned food manufacturers who follow the proposed rule to change immediately from the currently required MIGs to alternative TIDs. Although these TIDs remain out-of-compliance until the proposal is finalized, FDA will consider, on a case-by-case basis, exercising its enforcement discretion if the new devices are used in a manner consistent with the proposed rule. Processors who choose this option must comply with any revised requirements when the final rule becomes effective.

FDA is providing a 90-day comment period on the proposed rule. Interested persons can submit comments electronically to http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments or in writing to the Division of Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), 5630 Fishers Lane , Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852 USA. Submitted comments should be identified by Docket Number 2007N-0026.


 
Petfood major added to University of Nebraska
The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln recently approved a new academic major in food technology for pets that could be available next fall. The growing petfood industry and the demand for workers encouraged some at the university to add the major. University officials are also reportedly considering adding an animal science major related to pets, which the regents could vote on next year.

APPMA releases 2007 pet industry spending forecast of US$40 billion
New figures released by The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) forecast pet industry spending to top $40 billion—with US$16.1 billion being estimated for spending on petfood alone. Total pet spending in 2006 was US$38.5 billion, quite an increase from the US$21 billion Americans spent over a decade ago in 1996.

Caring for one's pet's health is the most powerful trend across the industry. While there continues to be a fast pace of new product introductions and innovation, pet services are growing just as quickly. Other areas of note include continued growth of gift giving; continued consolidation of product manufacturers and retailers; and an increasing number of “human” product companies expanding their lines to include pet products.

New EU food testing labs open for business
Three new EU food laboratories recently opened, providing testing facilities for heavy metals, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For processors, the laboratories will serve as a point of reference for issues and testing standards relating to the enforcement of legislation on food contact materials. They will provide information, training and support to the European Commission (EC), national enforcement agencies and the food and feed industry.

Kmart launches new Champion Breed petfood line
Kmart has launched a new line of private label pet products for dogs and cats called Champion Breed. The line of food, treats, toys and litter is intended to provide consumers with value products with formulations that compare to leading national brands. The new line includes nine varieties of dry cat food including Senior, Kitten and Indoor; eight types of wet cat food; fourteen varieties and sizes of dry dog food including Puppy, Adult, Senior, Large and Small Breed; six types of wet dog food; and thirteen varieties of dog treats and biscuits, including jerky strips, peanut butter biscuits and bacon & cheese treats. The dry products will be introduced now through May at Kmart stores all over the US, with the wet petfood to follow later.
Market data

Each month the Petfood Industry E-newsletter will bring you the latest market data available from several different sources including Euromonitor International, Information Resources Inc. (IRI) and ACNielsen.




Total US food, drug and mass merchandiser (excluding Wal-Mart) dry dog food sales for the 52 weeks ending October 8, 2006. Top individual brands by vendor. Source: Information Resources Inc.

Vendor

US$ sales

% chg vs. 2006

Unit sales

% chg vs. 2006
Iams
$275 million
3.2%
20.3 million
-1.2%

Purina Beneful
$165 million
21.6%
17.9 million
14.4%
Purine O N E
$156 million
0.1%
12.0 million
-6.0%

Private label

$145 million
3.3%
23.8 million
-3.4%
Pedigree Mealtime
$117 million
-12.6%
11.9 million
-11.4%
Purina Dog Chow
$115 million
1.9%
12.0 million
-3.2%
Kibbles 'N Bits
$0.88 million
-13.4%
11.8 million
-13.2%
Pedigree
$0.48 million
11.7%
4.4 million
11.0%
Purina Puppy Chow
$0.45 million
-5.7%
6.0 million
-9.9%
Pedigree Large Breed
$0.31 million
62.7%
2.4 million
63.9%
Come & Get It
$0.29 million
-14.0%
3.9 million
-17.7%
Gravy Train
$0.23 million
-11.1%
3.3 million
-12.4%
Total dry dog
$1.6 billion
0.8%
181.5 million
-3.7%



New report: Pet Food and Pet Care Products in Chile
Sales of cat food in Chile grew by 4% in current value terms and 5% in volume terms, to reach CH$29.4 billion in 2006, according to a new report from Euromonitor International—Pet Food and Pet Care Products in Chile.

A key factor behind the growth in cat food is increased cat ownership. Traditionally, a dog was the pet of choice in Chile , however, the growth in cat ownership is now more rapid than that of dog ownership. Economy cat food is the entry point for many new consumers since they generally come from lower-income groups and cannot afford to purchase more expensive brands. This meant that economy dry cat food produced the fastest value growth of 12% in 2006. However, premium wet and dry cat food and mid-priced dry cat food also showed value growth in 2006, as existing consumers began to trade up to more expensive brands.

Euromonitor International publishes petfood and pet care reports on 52 country markets. Click here for more information about petfood and pet care reports from Euromonitor International and to buy reports online.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Product news

Professional technology hand sanitizing lotion
Now available from Triple S is Protec-4 hand sanitizing lotion, the professional technology hand sanitizer. This product provides bacterial control while retaining the skin's moisture. One of the unique features of Protec-4's patented technology is that it doesn't wash off and remains in place. Protec-4 is not alcohol based, so it kills bacteria without the burning or stinging associated with alcohol sanitizers.

Vacuum packaging machines
Fully automatic Rollstock vacuum packaging machines offer simple reliability in low-cost machines. Manufactured in Kansas City using inexpensive off-the-shelf North American parts, these packaging machines are readily available and provide reduced cost of ownership. Available in a variety of web widths from 285-459 mm, all Rollstock machines feature programmable PLC controls with readable diagnostics and a vacuum leak check program. The chain system is guided and has an auto retensioning system to reduce stretch and wear.

Internet-based system for dry ingredient batching
Ingredient Masters, a manufacturer of precision batching systems for dry ingredients, has introduced a batching system with Internet-based programming, monitoring and diagnostics capabilities. This fully automated, self-contained system is customized to the application. It uses an Allen-Bradley PLC for the input of up to 100 recurring process recipes, and a variety of QC functions. Weighing accuracy is + .02 lb. per ingredient on a 1,000-lb. recipe.

Tamper-evident bander/labeler
PDC International Corp., a developer and manufacturer of tamper-evident packaging and labeling machinery, announces that it has introduced a fast, multiple-use system that is unique in the packaging industry and can operate continuously with zero downtime. PDC 75 Series Shrinksealers apply tamper-evident banding and labeling at up to 400 containers per minute (cpm), and can incorporate tear tab blades or slit tab blades for easy opening by consumers. The 75 Series also applies full height bodysleeve labels at up to 300 cpm, depending on sleeve dimensions.

E-news

New way to measure web traffic
The online measurement service comScore Media Metrix has come up with a new way of measuring web traffic, as new technologies increasingly make one of the current industry yardsticks less meaningful. Ecommerce Times reports that comScore is now calculating website “visits”—defined as the number of times a person returns to a site with a break of at least a half hour.

Currently, sites and advertisers often use page views, a figure that reflects the number of web pages a visitor pulls from a site. However, many sites are increasingly using a software trick called Ajax to improve the user experience. It allows sites to update data automatically and continually, without users needing to pull up new pages. Page views decline as a result.

comScore and its rival, Nielsen//NetRatings , also report unique audience—the number of visitors to a site in a given month, whether that person visits once for 10 seconds or several times. The measurement helps advertisers know they aren't displaying ads to the same people over and over, even if the site draws significant page views. The “visits” measure from comScore supplements those metrics.

Webinar archive available online
A recorded version of the recent webinar, Using non-traditional ingredients in unconventional petfoods, is now available. Presented by Petfood Industry magazine and Petfood Forum 2007, and sponsored by Kemin, the webinar featured an in-depth discussion on the types of ingredients that are being used in the next generation of petfoods—including fresh/frozen meats, whole animal/bird parts, and fruits and vegetables.  

Log in today to hear David Lummis, pet market analyst for Packaged Facts, and Dr. Greg Aldrich, Pet Food & Ingredient Technology Inc., discuss this important topic. To view the recording of the presentation, go to: http://www.iian. ibeam.com/events/watt001/21136.

Research notes

TAG metabolism in obese dogs consuming DAG-enriched diets
Obesity is a common nutritional disorder in canine veterinary practice. Diets to prevent adipose tissue accumulation may provide benefit during weight reduction. Diacylglycerol (DAG)-enriched vegetable oils support cellular beta oxidation rather than intestinal triglyceride re-esterification versus traditional triacylglycerol oils (TAG). This study investigated whether decreased chylomicron secretion or increased utilization occurs during weight loss in dogs fed DAG diets.

Twelve obese adult female Beagles with body condition scores of 8.2+0.2 SEM/9 and percent body fat of 40.9+1.9 (SEM) were fed DAG- or TAG-enriched diets (n=6 per group) during a 9-week weight loss period. The diets also contained poultry meal, gelatinized high-amylase corn starch, and vitamin and mineral premix (~4,300 kcal/kg DM) fed as a gruel. Dogs were offered the equivalent calories daily to maintain their starting obese body weights. They were weighed weekly, and their food consumption was recorded daily. Percent body fat was measured 1 week before the study began and at 4 and 9 weeks using bioelectrical impedance. Fasting blood was collected at weeks 1, 4 and 8 for postprandial plasma triglyceride analysis after a test meal with cooked chicken breast meat was fed in place of poultry meal in the diet mixture.

Chylomicron-remnant fractions were prepared using plasma from three dogs per group pooled at 2 and 3 hours postprandially on week 8. Also, on weeks 1 and 8, postheparin blood samples were collected 10 minutes after an IV injection of 100 IU. Sodium heparin/kg body weight and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities were determined. The dogs consumed approximately 60% of the diet offered, and all lost body weight and body fat to a similar extent. Postprandial triglyceride and chylomicron triglyceride concentrations were lower in the DAG group with no differences in LPL activities. These findings support the suppression of chylomicron triglyceride production with DAG rather than increased triglyceride utilization via LPL. The DAG-enriched diet supports weight loss while avoiding postprandial hypertriglyceridemia.

Source: Mitsuhashi, Y. et al., 2006. Nestle Purina Nutrition Forum Proceedings.

Gender-specific response to isoflavones
Neutering in both males and females has been associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity in dogs and cats. Estrogen plays an important role in regulating energy and fat metabolism and maintaining normal body composition in both female and male animals. This study investigated whether soy isoflavones could function as estrogen agonists in reducing weight gain in neutered male and female dogs. Neutered Labrador Retrievers with normal body weight were randomized into three groups: control, isoflavone and cocktail (a combination of isoflavone, conjugated linoleic acid [CLA] and L-carnitine). All three diets had similar amounts of dietary protein, fat and caloric density. The dogs were fed 25% more than their maintenance energy requirement for 12 months.



The isoflavone diet significantly reduced weight gain and body fat accumulation by more than 50% in the neutered dogs with the effects more pronounced in male dogs, CLA and L-carnitine unexpectedly attenuated isoflavone benefits. The isoflavone diet reduced both the weight gain and body fat accumulation in the male dogs by 85% compared with the control dogs. CLA and L-carnitine completely abolished these effects in the male dogs. The isoflavone diet reduced weight gain and body fat accumulation in female dogs by 30% and 27%, respectively, compared with controls. CLA and L-carnitine slightly attenuated the isoflavone effects in the female dogs. Neither soy isoflavones, nor the cocktail diets significantly affected total white blood cells, thyroid hormone profile or other blood biochemical parameters in the study.

In summary, the soy isoflavone diet was very effective in reducing body fat accumulation in neutered dogs, with neutered male dogs benefiting more than spayed female dogs. CLA and L-carnitine inhibited the isoflavone benefits, especially in neutered male dogs.

Source: Pan, Y., 2006. Nestle Purina Nutrition Forum Proceedings.

Positions available

Our help wanted listings aim to inform petfood industry professionals about employment opportunities worldwide. Contact gstadel@wattnet.net for more information on placing a listing in upcoming issues.

References

See our selection of pet industry books available at Petfood Forum in Chicago, April 16-19, 2007!

Petfood Industry Books
Petfood Forum and Focus Books

Contact information

To submit any information you would like us to consider for publication on our website, in the printed magazine, or on this newsletter, E-mail your information to Jenny Kvamme, DVM.

We are always interested in hearing your ideas about the value of this newsletter, or whether you have any problems downloading or viewing this document. If you would like to discontinue your free subscription to this newsletter, or if you have additional E-mail addresses to add or remove from our subscriber list, please contact Petfoodindustry@wattnet.net.


WATT Publishing Co.
Tel: +1.815.734.4171
122 S. Wesley Ave.
Mt. Morris, Illinois 61054 USA


Your free copy of the Petfood Industry Electronic Newsletter is sponsored by AFB International, maker of Optimizor® and BioFlavor® brand palatants. AFB is the petfood industry's first choice for dog and cat food palatants. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.afbinternational.com.