Pet Food Quality Assurance and Safety and Quality Assurance Survey within the Costa Rican Pet Food Industry

Co-resistance to methicillin and clindamycin among coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates recovered from pet food in Brazil

Pet food have been considered as possible vehicles of bacterial pathogens. The sudden boom of the pet food industry due to the worldwide increase in companion animal ownership calls for pet food investigations. Herein, this study aimed to determine the frequency, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and molecular characteristics of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in different pet food brands in Brazil. Eighty-six pet food packages were screened for CoNS. All isolates were identified at species level by MALDI-TOF MS and species-specific PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion and broth microdilution (vancomycin and teicoplanin only) methods. The D-test was used to screen for inducible clindamycin phenotype (MLS-B). SCCmec typing and detection of mecA, vanA, vanB, and virulence-encoding genes were done by PCR. A total of 16 (18.6 %) CoNS isolates were recovered from pet food samples. Isolates were generally multidrug-resistant (MDR). All isolates were completely resistant (100 %) to penicillin. Resistances (12.5 % - 75 %) were also observed for fluoroquinolones, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, tetracycline, rifampicin, erythromycin, and tobramycin. Isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MICs <0.25-1 μg/mL) and teicoplanin (MICs <0.25-4 μg/mL). Intriguingly, 3/8 (37.5 %) CoNS isolates with the ERYRCLIS antibiotype expressed MLS-B phenotype. All isolates harboured blaZ gene. Seven (43.8 %) isolates carried mecA; and among them, the SCCmec Type III was the most frequent (n = 5/7; 71.4 %). Isolates also harboured seb, see, seg, sej, sem, etb, tsst, pvl, and hla toxin virulence-encoding genes (6.3 % - 25 %). A total of 12/16 (75 %) isolates were biofilm producers, while the icaAB gene was detected in an S. pasteuri isolate. Herein, it is shown that pet food is a potential source of clinically important Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MLS-B phenotype and MR-CoNS in pet food in Latin America.

Assessment of the content of macronutrients and microbiological safety of dry dog foods

In Europe, there are no legal regulations specifying maximum allowable limits for pathogenic bacteria or fungi and yeasts in dog food. For proximate composition, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) nutritional guidelines provide minimum recommended levels for protein and fat only, not for other ingredients and no safe maximum levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety of 35 dry dog foods, taking into account the division into foods with grains as the main plant ingredient and those described as grain-free. We assumed that grain-included foods are more susceptible to the presence of the total number of aerobic bacteria. This parameter is an essential, hygienic criterion informing about the microbiological safety of the pet food. It also inform about the microbiological quality of the food ingredients used, the effectiveness of decontamination during the production process, sanitary and hygienic conditions during the acquisition, processing and marketing of pet food and its components. In the case of macronutrients, the results in some cases were multiples of the minimum recommended levels. The most important microorganisms that presence was found in the analyzed dog foods were indicator bacteria (E. coli and coliform bacteria, Clostridium perfringens), whose presence in feed constitutes microbiological contamination. They inform about sanitary and hygienic conditions during the production and storage of the pet food. The current guidelines recommend microbiological testing of food for the presence of Salmonella bacilli as the basic indicator for assessing the sanitary quality. No Salmonella spp. was detected in any of the foods. The remaining analyzed bacteria (Proteus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp.) as well as molds and yeasts, were present in both grain-included and grain-free foods. The obtained results showed that in terms of microbiological safety, grain-included foods come out worse, because microorganisms were detected more frequently in this type of dry dog food.

Biogenic Amine Content Analysis of Three Chicken-Based Dry Pet Food Formulations

The pet food market is constantly expanding, and more and more attention is paid to the feeding of pets. Dry foods stand out and are often preferred due to their long shelf life, ease of administration, and low cost. In this context, dry foods are formulated from fresh meats, meat meals, or a mix of the two. These raw materials are often meat not fit for human consumption; they might be subject to contamination and proliferation of microorganisms which, by degrading the organic component, can lead to the formation of undesirable by-products such as biogenic amines. These nitrogenous compounds obtained by decarboxylation of amino acids can therefore be found in high-protein foods, and their ingestion in large quantities can cause intoxication and be harmful. This study aims at analyzing the possible presence of biogenic amines in three different formulations of chicken-based kibbles for pets: one obtained from fresh meat, one from meat meal, and one from a mix of the two. This study is also focused on the presence of free amino acids as they represent the key substrate for decarboxylating enzymes. Mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LC/MS) was used to analyze the presence of biogenic amines and free amino acids. The results show that fresh-meat-based products have a lower content of biogenic amines, and at the same time a higher quantity of free amino acids; on the contrary, meat-meal- and mix-based products have a greater quantity of biogenic amines and a lower concentration of free amino acids, suggesting that there has been a higher microbial proliferation as proved by the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts. It is therefore clear that fresh-meat-based kibbles are to be preferred when they are used for preparing dry pet food due to the lowest concentration of biogenic amines.

The role of feeds in the transmission of chicken pathogens in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania

Chicken production is an important economic activity in Tanzania. Indigenous chickens are kept in rural areas, while exotic breeds are kept in urban areas. Due to their high productivity, exotic breeds are becoming important sources of protein in fast-growing cities. Dodoma is one of the cities growing very fast in Tanzania. As a result, production of layers and broilers has increased dramatically. However, diseases remain the major challenge to chicken production despite the efforts of livestock officers to educate people on good management practices. This has made farmers think that feeds may be the source of pathogens. The study's objectives were thus to identify the major diseases affecting broiler and layer chickens in the Dodoma urban district, as well as the potential role of feeds in pathogen transmission to chickens. A household survey was conducted to identify common diseases affecting chickens in the study area. Thereafter, locally prepared feed samples were collected from twenty shops available in the district to determine the presence of Salmonella and Eimeria parasites. The presence of Eimeria parasites in the feeds was determined by raising day-old chicks in a sterile environment for 3 wk while feeding them the feed samples collected. Fecal samples from the chicks were analyzed for the presence of Eimeria parasites. Salmonella contamination of the feed samples was determined in the laboratory through the culture method. The study found that coccidiosis, Newcastle disease, fowl typhoid, infectious bursal disease, and colibacillosis are the main diseases affecting chickens in the district. After 3 wk of rearing, 3 out of 15 chicks developed coccidiosis. In addition, about 31.1% of the feed samples showed the presence of Salmonella spp. The prevalence of Salmonella was highest in limestone (53.3%), followed by fishmeal (26.7%), and maize bran (13.3%). It has been concluded that feeds are potential carriers of pathogens. To reduce economic losses and the continuous use of drugs in chicken production, health authorities should assess the microbial quality of poultry feeds.

The Hard Choice about Dry Pet Food: Comparison of Protein and Lipid Nutritional Qualities and Digestibility of Three Different Chicken-Based Formulations

Simple Summary

The majority of pet food currently on the market is represented by dry food thanks to its practicality and long shelf life. Dry pet food production consists of several processes that can have different effects on nutrient bioavailability and digestibility. The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of three different chicken-based formulations, consisting of fresh meats, meat meals, or a mix of these two from a protein, lipid, and in vitro digestibility point of view. The results show that the fresh chicken-meat-based formulation appears to be the preferable choice when proteins, lipids, and in vitro digestibility are taken into account. Moreover, the soluble protein content estimated by the Bradford assay is found to correlate well with the total protein content and in vitro digestibility.

Abstract

Dry pet food, made of fresh meats and especially meat meals, represents one of the main types of complete food available on the market by virtue of its practicality and long shelf life. The kibble production process includes mixed thermal and mechanical treatments that help to improve the palatability and durability of the final product but may have undesirable effects on nutrient bioavailability and digestibility. An analysis of the protein and lipid content of different dry pet food formulations, together with an in vitro digestibility analysis, can reveal which formulation can provide a more nourishing diet for pets. In this study, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed on three different formulations of chicken-based dry pet food, consisting of fresh meats, meat meals, or a mix of these two. The soluble protein concentration was determined by the Bradford assay, while the crude protein content was assessed through the Kjeldahl method. Quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LC/MS) was used to analyze the amino acid (AA) and lipid compositions. Finally, a gastric and small intestinal digestion simulation was used to determine the in vitro digestibility. The results show that dry pet food consisting only of chicken fresh meats has the highest content of soluble protein; it also contains more Essential AAs, Branched-Chain AAs, and Taurine, as well as a greater quantity of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, its in vitro digestibility was the highest, exceeding 90% of its dry weight, in agreement with the soluble protein content. These findings thus make the fresh-meat-based formulation a preferable choice as dry pet food.

Alimentary Risk of Mycotoxins for Humans and Animals

Mycotoxins can be found in many foods consumed by humans and animals. These substances are secondary metabolites of some fungi species and are resistant to technological processes (cooking, frying, baking, distillation, fermentation). They most often contaminate products of animal (beef, pork, poultry, lamb, fish, game meat, milk) and plant origin (cereals, processed cereals, vegetables, nuts). It is estimated that about 25% of the world's harvest may be contaminated with mycotoxins. These substances damage crops and may cause mycotoxicosis. Many mycotoxins can be present in food, together with mold fungi, increasing the exposure of humans and animals to them. In this review we characterized the health risks caused by mycotoxins found in food, pet food and feed. The most important groups of mycotoxins are presented in terms of their toxicity and occurrence.

It Keeps the Good Boy Healthy from Nose to Tail: Understanding Pet Food Attribute Preferences of US Consumers

The study provides insights for marketing managers in specialized pet supplies retailers, as well as for vets and animal welfare organizations. This study proposes a model that investigates the importance pet owners place on convenience, natural ingredients, and value and health claims as product attributes. For this purpose, an online survey with a sample size of 206 pet-owning US residents was conducted. Partial least squares structural equation modelling shows that pet food purchase involvement positively impacts subjective and objective knowledge about pet food. Subjective knowledge appears to be the strongest factor impacting the importance consumers place on all three attributes. This is followed by objective knowledge. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, income, and education appear to have a limited impact as predictors for the importance consumers place on the product attributes.

Systematic Review: Nontyphoidal Salmonella in Food from Latin America

In Latin America, nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is one of the most important etiological agents of foodborne infections; it can survive in soil, water, and food even after processing. Here, we aimed to perform a systematic review by collecting data on the prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of NTS isolated from different food products in Latin America, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Out of 1766 studies screened, 244 reports from 13 Latin American countries were eligible. Among these, 182 reported NTS prevalence, 87 reported NTS serotypes, and 83 reported serotypes with AMR patterns. The NTS prevalence ranged from 0.005% to 93.3%, regardless of country and food. Meat showed the highest NTS prevalence. Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Derby were the most frequently observed serotypes in different food products. The serotypes Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Infantis, isolated from animal products, showed the highest AMR rate. The presence of NTS in fruits and vegetables, which are generally consumed raw or as ready-to-eat food, indicates a high risk of salmonellosis from consuming these foods. Thus, the reduction of this pathogen in the food chain requires a One Health approach, involving good agricultural and manufacturing practices, low antimicrobial use, and proper waste management.

Evaluation of nutritional value and microbiological safety in commercial dog food

In addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 102 to above 3.0 × 107 cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.

Microbiological Safety and Presence of Major Mycotoxins in Animal Feed for Laboratory Animals in a Developing Country: The Case of Costa Rica

Simple Summary

The microbiological safety and quality of commercial animal feed for laboratory animals, produced in Costa Rica, was assessed. Analysis of the animal feed included general microbial markers (total coliforms and molds) and the behavior over time of two specific feed contaminants (Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins). Results from the study suggest that there is a low risk of contamination from viable microorganisms but the product contains important levels of mycotoxins. Current preventive measures (UV light disinfection) are not effective and additional handling protocols should be considered.

Abstract

Safety and quality of compound feed for experimental animals in Costa Rica is unknown. Some contaminants, such as Salmonella spp. and mycotoxins, could elicit confounding effects in laboratory animals used for biomedical research. In this study, different batches of extruded animal feed, intended for laboratory rodents in Costa Rica, were analyzed to determine mycotoxin and microbiological contamination (i.e., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, total coliform bacteria, and total yeast and molds enumeration). Two methods for Salmonella decontamination (UV light and thermal treatment) were assessed. Only n = 2 of the samples were negative (representing 12.50%) for the 26 mycotoxins tested. Enniatins and fumonisins were among the most frequent toxins found (with n = 4⁺ hits), but the level of contamination and the type of mycotoxins depended on the supplier. None of the indicator microorganisms, nor Salmonella, were found in any of the tested batches, and no mold contamination, nor Salmonella growth, occurs during storage (i.e., 2–6 months under laboratory conditions). However, mycotoxins, such as enniatins and fumonisins tend to decrease after the fourth month of storage, and Salmonella exhibited a lifespan of 64 days at 17 °C even in the presence of UV light. The D-values for Salmonella were between 65.58 ± 2.95 (65 °C) and 6.21 ± 0.11 (80 °C) min, and the thermal destruction time (z-value) was calculated at 15.62 °C. Results from this study suggest that laboratory rodents may be at risk of contamination from animal feed that could significantly affect the outcomes of biomedical experiments. Thus, improved quality controls and handling protocols for the product are suggested.

Effects of "fresh mechanically deboned meat" inclusion on nutritional value, palatability, shelf-life microbiological risk and digestibility in dry dog food

Fresh mechanically deboned meat (MDM) is usually claimed as high-quality ingredient on dry pet food recipes and this aspect may positively influence consumer choice. It is important to determine the scientifically sustainability of this claim and to assess the microbiological safety of MDM inclusion in dry pet food. Objectives were: 1) to evaluate the effect of inclusion of MDM in dry dog food on fatty acid profile and in vivo and in vitro digestibility, proposing a new system (Daisy^II Incubator) to measure the in vitro digestibility for dogs; 2) to compare palatability of dry dog food containing MDM with dry dog food in which meat by-products (MBP) are the only animal protein sources; 3) to determine, whether or not, the inclusion of that ingredient changes the microbiology and the storage quality. Results indicated that MDM product was characterized by significant higher nutritional value in terms of fatty acids profile, in vitro digestibility (HV-IVD method) and lower palatability than the MBP product. Microbiological risk assessment showed no microbiological hazards for either product. After 6-months storage, the total mesophilic bacterial count ranged between 1.77 and 2.09 log CFU/g feed, while polyamine values were higher in the MDM (0.37 g/kg) than in the MBP (0.27 g/kg). The Daisy^II Incubator was found to be a valid instrument for studying in vitro digestibility also for dogs, providing data simply, quickly, with less variability and costs than in vivo trials. In conclusion, MDM inclusion in dry dog food is microbiologically safe and it can improve its nutritional quality, at the expense of a reduced palatability. The higher polyamine levels fount in MDM-enriched petfood after 6-months storage, however, may represent a possible hazard, and further studies are still warranted.

Microbiological Hazards in Dry Dog Chews and Feeds

Nowadays, dogs are usually equally treated with other family members. Due to the growing caregivers' awareness, the pet foods industry is changing dynamically. Pet foods are manufactured with a myriad of ingredients. Few authors of scientific papers deal with the topic of foods products' safety for pet animals, assessed from the perspective of their caregivers. Despite the many methods of producing foods of the highest quality, there are still cases of contamination of pet foods and treats. In the case of dried chews for dogs, bacteria of the genus Salmonella are the most common risk. In the case of both dry and wet foods, in addition to many species of bacteria, we often deal with mold fungi and their metabolites, mycotoxins. This article presents selected microbiological risks in dog foods and treats, and analyzes the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) system (2017-2020) for pathogenic microorganisms in dried dog chews, treats and foods. In this period, pet food-related notifications were registered, which were categorized into different types. Analyzing the RASFF notifications over the period, it has been shown that there are still cases of bacterial contamination of dog foods and treats, while in terms of the overall mycotoxin content, these products may appear safe.

Mineral Composition of Cereal and Cereal-Free Dry Dog Foods versus Nutritional Guidelines

The aims of the present work are to estimate the nutritional value and to evaluate and compare the levels of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg), microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mo, Cr, Ni), and their ratios in extruded complete foods for adult dogs, their compatibility with nutritional guidelines, as well as food profile similarity. Basic composition was determined according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Analyses for elements were performed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum recommended levels for protein and fat. Eighteen tested dog foods (60%) did not meet at least one recommendation of nutritional guidelines. Four dog foods exceeded the legal limit of Fe and five foods exceeded the legal limit of Zn; in one of them, Zn level was almost twice higher. Dog foods with insect protein exceeded the legal limit for Mn content. Eight dog foods had an inappropriate Ca:P ratio. Heavy metals were below detection limit in all analyzed dog foods. The results seem to show the need for regular feed analyses of the elemental composition in raw materials before introducing supplementation and for the monitoring of the mineral composition of finished pet food.