- Preservatives detected in 40% of pet food labeled as ‘preservative-free’
Approximately 10% of commercial pet food exceeded the microbial standard or food poisoning bacteria were detected. Food additives such as preservatives and antioxidants were found in nearly half of the products.
According to the Korea Food Communication Forum (KOFRUM) on the 25th, a research team from the Gwangju City Research Institute of Health and Environment investigated the degree of microbial contamination and the use of food additives in 130 pet food and snacks distributed in Gwangju from March to August 2021, and this was revealed. .
The results of this study investigation of microbial contamination and food additive use of pet food and snacks distributed in the Gwangju area were published in the latest issue of the Journal of the Korean Society of Livestock Hygiene.
Out of a total of 130 products inspected, 10.8% (14) exceeded the microbial standards or detected food poisoning bacteria. Specifically, 13 cases (10%) of the coliform group exceeded the standard, 9 cases (6.9%) of the general bacterial count exceeded the standard, 2 cases of Salmonella detection (1.5%), and 2 cases of pathogenic E. coli detection (1.5%). Among them, salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli are food poisoning bacteria.
Of these 14 products, 9 (64%) were products from individual small-scale handmade snack stores, and the remaining 5 (36%) were products sold at large marts and pet shops. In addition, preservatives or antioxidants were detected in 47% (61) of the 130 products tested. All 61 products were from large marts and pet stores. In one product, 7.4g of preservatives were found per kg.
In their thesis, the research team pointed out that “pet food has a high possibility of direct contact with consumers, such as owners,” and “there is a risk of secondary infection from humans, so continuous hygiene management is necessary.”
Food additives such as preservatives in pet food and snacks have positive aspects that help preserve and distribute feed, but they also have side effects, so misuse and abuse should be avoided. Contrary to the labeling, preservatives were detected in 40% (8) of the 20 products labeled “no preservatives” or “no preservatives added.”
In the thesis, the research team stressed, “The current feed management law is a law made for livestock industries such as cattle, pigs, and chickens, so there is a lack of standards for microorganisms and food additives for companion animal food.”
