Large Patches of meadows, fresh air, and green environment – this is New Zealand.
The country is globally renowned for its fresh produce and inventive specialty food and beverages. Being a world leader in farming sheep meat and beef, it is not surprising that the country also produces some excellent cheeses and ice creams that are coveted by many. Manuka honey, avocado oil, seasonal fruits and vegetables, are among the roll of delectable produce the country offers. The exquisite flavors that New Zealand offers all contribute to its international reputation in making premium food and beverage products.
The remarkable standing for food quality goes beyond those intended for human; it is also extended to pet food sourced and manufactured in New Zealand.
It is notable that the country has an extensive, proficient, pasture fed livestock industry and is free of BSE (commonly known as Mad Cow Disease – a usually fatal disease of cattle affecting the central nervous system, causing agitation and staggering). The premium quality of ingredients coupled with New Zealand’s extensive regulatory requirements that regulates the manufacturing of pet food (we will discuss this in the last section), it is no wonder why the country has set an eminent benchmark for quality food.
Superiority of Ingredients
The freshness and flavours of our ingredients can only be nurtured in a combination of the following factors found exclusively in New Zealand: temperate climate, high rainfall, low density population, pristine waters, and fertile pastures.
New Zealand’s animal welfare code and pasture based farming system requires cattle, sheep and deer be raised in natural conditions. These free-range animals are able to roam around freely while exhibiting their natural behaviors as opposed to being confined in crowded facilities and had to be injected/fed with antibiotics to prevent outbreak of diseases. The pasture-fed animals can avoid artificial hormones, grains, and other added into their feed. Studies have also shown that meat from pasture-fed cows has 30 to 40 percent more Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA – known for its anti-cancer and weight management properties) as compared to meat from cows that eat primarily grain-based diet. Free-range chickens are also known to contain lesser fat, fewer calories, and the resultant eggs produced are also found to comprise lesser fat, more vitamin A, and more omega 3.
Safety Standards
The topmost concern for consumers’ consumption of food is safety. This is exactly why food safety is the priority for New Zealand. In response to its aim to achieve a high food safety level, the country applies stringent biosecurity measures that includes but not limited to stricter control over movement and greater monitoring over feeding. The country is also markedly recognised as being animal disease-free by the World Organization for Animal Health, and achieving high levels of food traceability. Food traceability refers to the ability to trace food back to its source which not only provides assurance on food safety, but is also imperative in preventing large scale spreading of contaminated food sources.
Regulation of Pet food Manufacturing in New Zealand
Pet food manufacturers in New Zealand must comply with two primary legislation administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and together with their associated Regulations, Specifications and Notices, they regulate the manufacturing of pet food.
- The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1996 (ACVM Act) govern the product fit for the purpose of feeding and labelling.
- The Animal Products Act 1999 (APA) regulates and verifies the manufacturing of pet food.
It might be tough to gain a thorough understanding of each but the network of regulations ensure that the pet foods are manufactured using regulated sources, in hygienic environments, and achieve the food safety levels while delivering nutritional properties.
Happy Employees at our New Zealand Addiction’s Plant
New Zealand’s food products are made the safest and healthiest in the world due to nature’s endowment of excellent climate and terrain, and human imposed rules and standards. So now you know why Addiction Foods has chosen to manufacture their foods in New Zealand!
Sources:
http://www.petfoodnz.co.nz/newzealand.htm
