Bacteria Detected in Some Pet Foods Distributed in Gwangju Area

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Bacteria and preservatives have been detected in some pet food and snacks distributed in the Gwangju area.

The Gwangju Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 26th that, as the pet ownership increased recently and the pet food market expanded, it conducted a safety inspection of "pet food and snacks distributed within the jurisdiction" last year as part of a research project.

The inspection targeted a total of 130 cases of dog food and snacks distributed and sold by local individual businesses or marts, and tests were conducted for microorganisms and food additives.

The inspection results detected 9 cases of general bacteria, 13 cases of coliform bacteria, and 2 cases each of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria.

The detection of general bacteria and coliform bacteria, which are generally used as indicators to assess the hygiene level of food, in the pet food suggests that meticulous hygiene management is necessary in the manufacturing, storage, and distribution of the food.

Additionally, the city’s Health and Environment Research Institute advised caution as pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria, although not included or regulated under current pet food-related regulations, can cause secondary infections in humans.

Regarding additives, preservatives that prevent food spoilage and decay were detected in 58 out of 130 products. While their use is permitted under current pet food regulations, there are no limits on usage amounts, indicating that standard limits should be established.

Kim Jeongnam, Director of the Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory, stated, "We will deliver the results of this research project to the central authorities to be used as basic data for improving the 'standards and specifications for pet food.' We will also conduct periodic monitoring inspections of pet food and snacks in the future."