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Our multi-step quality assurance process rigorously tests our products throughout the manufacturing process, including tests on specific raw materials; a series of tests as the food is being made, testing of finished products and final product verification.
Our specifications and procedures include the certification not only of Nutro Products' facilities, where our pet food is made, but also of our co-manufacturers and suppliers. The following is now being implemented:
Raw Materials Testing
Nutro Products has long-standing relationships with many of our suppliers. Moving forward, each one of these vendors must be qualified by Nutro Products' quality assurance personnel before they can become an approved supplier for Nutro Products or our co-manufacturers. Qualification requirements also include chemical and physical analyses and tests for toxin contamination or microbiological activity. Suppliers are then subjected to frequent audits to ensure that they maintain qualified status.
Suppliers and co-manufacturers must disclose the source and country of origin of ingredients, and suppliers and co-manufacturers may not change to another source without Nutro Products' prior approval.
Once the raw materials arrive at a Nutro Products facility (or one of our co-manufacturers), they are checked for their quality and consistency and their chemical and nutrient properties are confirmed. These tests conform to all applicable industry standards.
Manufacturing Process Testing
Nutro Products' company-owned manufacturing facilities are state-of-the-art, and our in-process checks ensure proper equipment operation and processing. As the food is being prepared, it is closely monitored and inspected at virtually every step along the way. Particle sizes are checked for proper ingredient grinding, materials are weighed and metered to ensure the correct formula assembly, and moisture, expansion and density are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Any NUTRO® product that does not meet our strict product performance requirements will not be sold.
Finished Product Testing and Final Product Verification
Our finished products go through several more stages of testing to ensure they adhere to our high quality and safety standards. We test the food for microbiological activity and toxin levels, including melamine. From there, the food is tested for key nutrients to verify that product design criteria are met.
As a result of these procedures and tests, Nutro Products' consumers can be confident that our products meet the requirements of the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and follow the tolerances and guidelines established by the FDA and AAFCO in order to avoid any instance of pet food recall.
