UK Pet Food sets out how high standards and hygiene underpin safe raw pet food.
Following the publication of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) report on raw pet food, UK Pet Food has set out how safety is managed through robust manufacturing standards, supported by responsible handling in the home.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, advises: “ Raw pet food isn’t cooked or heat-treated, just like fresh raw meat you might buy for yourself. That means it needs to be made under strict safety controls, and pet owners should follow clear storage, handling and hygiene advice at home to help keep everyone safe.”
UK Pet Food proudly represents 15 dedicated raw pet food manufacturers who operate within a tightly regulated framework and are committed to high standards of safety and responsible production.
These manufacturers follow detailed industry guidelines developed in collaboration with Defra, the Animal & Plant Health Agency, and the Food Standards Agency, which set clear expectations for hygiene and manufacturing controls.
To help pet owners identify responsible manufacturers, UK Pet Food has also established the Raw Pet Food Standard, an independent, sector-leading scheme that supports safe production, hygiene, and traceability across the manufacturing process.
Michael continues: “Together, these standards help ensure that safety is built in from the point of manufacture, before products reach the home.”
UK Pet Food encourages pet owners who choose to feed raw to:
- Buy from manufacturers that demonstrate transparency, high standards, and strong safety practices.
- Follow feeding and storage instructions carefully.
- Store raw pet food separately from human food.
- Defrost safely and clean surfaces thoroughly.
- Wash hands, dishes and utensils with soap and hot water after handling.
Further guidance for pet owners is available at www.ukpetfood.org.
A list of UK Pet Food’s commercial raw members can be found at: Member Directory | UK Pet Food
