Journey of a pet food sample: first steps
Sciantec
Agriculture
UK Trading Standards requires pet food products to be tested before they can be sold. Manufacturers need to test for labelling purposes by law so that customers have clear, concise, and honest information on the composition, use, and characteristics of any product they purchase.
Other analysis may also be necessary depending on the ingredients used. For example, microbiology testing must be undertaken if any animal by-products are used, as they carry a risk of illness from Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae species.
Have you ever wondered what happens to your sample after you’ve sent it off for testing? Read on to find out about the ideal sampling process, what happens when the sample arrives at the laboratory, and how to get the most out of your analysis.
Sending in your sample
Most pet food manufacturers send in their finished product, such as a pouch of dog food, a tin of cat food, or kibble in a sample bag. We need at least approximately 300g for labelling testing, whilst a separate 200g is required for microbiology analysis. This is to minimise too much handling of the sample, which would otherwise need to be subdivided upon receipt. Samples can arrive in their finished product packaging provided they add up to these weights.
To get the best value from the results, how you take the samples is just as important as the subsequent analysis. Sampling at source is crucial to get quality results back so you can make insightful decisions about your product. Laboratories require representative samples so that you can be certain that all your product is nutritious, high quality, and safe for consumption. To ensure they are representative, all you have to do is collect the correct number of sub-samples from different parts of the mixture and combine them together thoroughly in a clean polythene bag or container.
What happens when the sample arrives at the laboratory
When a sample arrives with a request form, it is given a unique reference number. This allows us to keep track of its progress throughout the lab and provides an auditable trail for chain of custody. It is provided a storage location and allocated the required tests. Customers request their tests by filling out a personalised submission form created by our Business Development team to suit individual customer requirements. You will receive an automated email acknowledgment to confirm we have received your samples safe and sound.
Most nutritional samples received at the laboratory require homogenisation. This part of our commitment to adhere to the most stringent quality processes for reliable and accurate results. Grinding and homogenising the sample ensures it is thoroughly mixed and as representative of the product as possible throughout the entire process. Generally, if the sample is wet, we’ll dry it out with our state-of-the-art instrumentation before grinding. Once it is prepared, it is placed in its storage location and various departments within the laboratory will carry out the testing as required.
Microbiology samples, on the other hand, go straight into the microbiology laboratory to start the required testing.
Getting the most out of your analysis
Our service for new enquiries and shelf life projects includes an in-depth 1-1 consultation with our Business Development team. This allows us to obtain an accurate overview of the sample type and the analysis required to ensure suitable methods are allocated. This guarantees that the best service is provided to help you meet all your requirements.
For example, to satisfy legislation and safeguard humans and animals alike, we test samples containing animal-by products. Salmonella testing requires distinct methods for different products. A sample containing no animal by-products will need a separate method from one with raw or processed animal by-products. By obtaining accurate information about your product and your goals, we can deliver accurate, reliable data to give you value-added insight to help you meet them.
Book in your samples with Sciantec now
Sciantec can help you with any of your pet food testing needs. For more information or to book in your samples now, click here or email customer.services@sciantec.uk.com.
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