Retailers are working hard to ensure safety, thanks to the largest pet food recall in history that happened 4 years ago.
In 2007, food manufacturer Menu Foods recalled nearly 60 million containers of pet food sold under 100 brands including big brands such as Iams, Eukanauba and Science Diet. The brands were found to be contaminated, resulting in thousands of deaths in dogs and cats.
Many pet owners had lost confidence in retailers affected by the pet food recall, and several retailers are aiming to gain back their customers’ trust. In addition to finding a supplier that fits the retailer’s food safety standards, retailers are also closely studying pet food manufacturers’ food safety procedures before opting them as a supplier. And for some suppliers such as Ainsworth, they invite retailers to visit the plant to see the manufacturing process – all products are held in the warehouse for 48 hours until they pass safety testing.
The 2007 recall and ensuing litigation has shed light on the importance of food safety not just for pet owners, but more importantly, for retailers. At least some retailers are now more scrutinizing when picking suppliers. No longer are they putting lowest cost as a priority when picking a supplier – now, safe food practices come first. Perhaps a great lesson has been learned. Time will tell.
Sources:
In re Pet Food Products Liability Litigation
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