Pet Food Processing - January 2025 - 67

Maintaining product integrity during storage and
transport requires robust packaging materials like
multi-layer laminates that offer both durability and flexibility
to withstand handling and transportation stresses.
Proper temperature control across the cold supply
chain is also vital, so the products remain safe and retain
their intended quality.
TC Transcontinental has extensive laboratories for
Freshpet Select Slice & Serve Rolls are gently steamcooked
to retain essential nutrients. Freshpet
ucts during processing involves two key steps: proper
cooking and rapid cooling.
" First, processing temperatures must be high enough to
destroy both pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, "
White explained. " After cooking, the product must be
cooled and frozen as quickly as possible to prevent microbial
growth. In addition to microbial control, robust
quality checks must be in place throughout manufacturing.
These include foreign material prevention measures
such as metal detection, visual inspections and equipment
maintenance protocols to reduce contamination risks. "
Additionally, meeting pets' nutritional requirements
is a critical aspect of food safety. Verification procedures
during processing ensure that essential nutrients are
added accurately and in the correct amounts, supporting
both product safety and nutritional compliance. These
measures help maintain a safe, high-quality product
from production to final packaging.
We use transparent
windows in our bag recipes, so
consumers can see the exact
product they are buying. "
Gerardo Perez-Camargo, Ph.D., Freshpet
Overcoming challenges
When designing packaging for fresh and frozen pet
food, issues related to moisture, oxygen transfer, and
maintaining product integrity during storage and transport
all come into play.
To combat moisture and oxygen transfer, manufacturers
rely on advanced barrier materials such as ethylene
vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and polyvinylidene chloride
(PVDC), which provide exceptional protection. Active
packaging technologies, including oxygen scavengers and
moisture absorbers, are often incorporated to help regulate
internal conditions and extend product longevity.
development and testing so when packaging arrives at
the manufacturer, they can be assured it will work for
their needs and will serve the pet parents' needs.
" We work closely with the customer, our engineers and
our suppliers to design the right package for the exact
product and size being packaged, " Kieny said. " Close collaboration
is required to dial in the precise properties for
the particular application. We apply our expert knowledge
in barrier technologies
incorporating a wide array of
material choices and manufacturing
techniques. "
White noted managing the
logistics and supply chain for
sourcing and processing fresh
ingredients adds significant
complexity to pet food manufacturing.
Fresh ingredients,
especially meats, have a shorter
shelf life, making precise production
planning essential
to ensure they are used before
expiration. For instance,
fresh meats may have only a
few days of usable shelf life
upon arrival. Any delays in
the supply chain, such as late
ingredient deliveries, can disrupt
production schedules.
Similarly, if manufacturing issues
arise and the production line cannot run, ingredients
may expire and require disposal, leading to costly waste.
" To address these challenges, it is crucial to work closely
with trusted suppliers, fostering strong partnerships to
reduce supply disruptions, " White said. " Advanced planning
and creating contingency plans are also vital to mitigate
potential issues and ensure production continuity. By
proactively managing these factors, manufacturers can
minimize risks and maintain efficient operations while
preserving the quality of fresh ingredients. "
Fresh pet
food necessitates precise handling and
quicker packaging to preserve freshness and prevent
spoilage. Automated filling machines provide accurate
portioning, followed immediately by sealing to lock in
freshness and minimize exposure to contaminants.
Wellness Bowl
Boosters Freshly
products, which
were introduced
in June 2022, can
be served as a
meal topper, treat
or complete-andbalanced
meal.
Wellness Pet Company
PFP
www.petfoodprocessing.net | Jan-Feb 2025 | PET FOOD PROCESSING 67
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Pet Food Processing - January 2025

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