Ionizing Radiation for Quality Control and Mitigating Microbial Contamination and Mycotoxins in Pet Foods

Abstract

The increasing demand for safe and high-quality pet foods has intensified the pursuit of sustainable preservation techniques. Pet food recalls are often linked to pathogenic contaminants like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, molds, and mycotoxins, persisting globally. Ionizing radiation

has proven to be effective in mitigating microbial contamination and decon- taminating mycotoxins, while minimizing the loss of food quality. However,

no research or review articles have been pub lished in this regard, emphasizing the novelty and originality of this review. This review provides recent insights into research findings on irradiation methods and their potential to sterilize and disinfect pet foods, addressing pathogens and mycotoxins with minimal impact on quality attributes. Additionally, the critical control points in various pet food manufacturing processes, preventive measures, and factors affecting irradiation for pet foods are reviewed. The insights provided in this review underscore the

significance of adopting ionizing radiation as a viable and sustainable pre- servation technique in the pet food industry.