European manufacturers to establish new raw pet food standard

A group of leading European manufacturers have announced a joint initiative to establish a European Raw Feeding Manufacturing Standard. 

The project, which was launched yesterday (12 May), aims to set clear quality and safety benchmarks for the growing raw and fresh pet food sector.

The collaboration involves Freshfrozen for Pets, Snellman Petfood, and The Nutriment Company. 

The proposed framework builds on existing best practices developed by UK Pet Food and is intended to be an open standard for any manufacturer committed to its criteria. Participating firms will undergo regular independent audits to ensure compliance.

Raw pet food now accounts for up to 10% of the market in certain European countries. The initiative seeks to address this growth by implementing manufacturing controls that exceed current EU and local regulatory requirements. 

The standard also focuses on consumer education regarding the safe handling of raw products.

The group plans to work with national industry associations to create a shared framework that supports regulatory dialogue. 

Further details regarding the governance model and certification process are expected to be released in the coming months.

Pierre Kemseke, Freshfrozen for Pets founder, said: “When I started this company in 2013 from scratch, I wanted to create a place where we make healthy products in a healthy working environment for a better society. It goes without saying that this only works in a production environment exceeding the highest standards at all levels.”

Anders Kristiansen, The Nutriment Company chief executive, added: “As an industry, we have the opportunity to define what excellence looks like and to make it the standard across Europe. By launching this initiative today, we are proud to contribute our expertise to a collaborative effort that will strengthen trust and raise standards across the entire category.”