Alongside its new name and new identity, UK Pet Food has announced that raw pet food production scheme is now up and running. 

Developed by independent certification scheme experts, KIWA, the standard provides another tool to support the safe production of commercial raw pet food.

Whilst the initiative for the scheme came from UK Pet Food’s 17 commercial raw pet food members, it has won the full support of the wider membership; it is a clear example of the work the association does championing best practice and raising the bar within the industry.

The scope of the scheme includes plant design and maintenance, supplier assurance, safe product formulation, full traceability systems, safe handling, quality checks, microbiological testing, a programme of internal auditing, HACCP, staff training and labelling compliance.

Michael Bellingham, UK Pet Food’s chief executive, said: “The certification scheme is based on a comprehensive standard, encompassing all aspects of hygiene and feed safety. It applies to the entire process from the selection of raw materials to the finished goods. It’s developed with the objective of ensuring safe products for our pets.

“Our partnership with KIWA was critical to the credibility and success of this scheme. It is well known in the agri-food sector and has developed other highly regarded schemes such as the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme.”