Merrick, makers of pet food brands including: Merrick and Castor & Pollux’s Organix and Natural UltraMix brands, is now the only pet food company who manufactures its own food to ever receive this certification. In 2012, Merrick’s facilities became the world’s only known Organic certified manufacturer for both dry and canned food for pets under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. today announced it has earned the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certification for its 195,000 square foot facilities located in Hereford, Texas. The SQF Level 3 certification means Merrick has successfully completed a stringent food safety auditing process and verifies that their facilities are in compliance with Certified HACCP (Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points) food safety plans.
“We are proud to have earned the SQF Level 3 certification, which demonstrates our commitment and dedication to providing the highest quality pet foods and treats,” said Greg Shearson, president of Merrick Pet Care, Inc.
Receiving the SQF Level 3 certification builds on Merrick’s record of industry firsts. Merrick, makers of pet food brands including: Merrick and Castor & Pollux’s Organix and Natural UltraMix brands, is now the only pet food company who manufactures its own food to ever receive the Level 3 certification. In 2012, Merrick’s facilities became the world’s only known Organic certified manufacturer for both dry and canned food for pets under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
The SQF Level 3 certification is administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) http://www.sqfi.com, a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). It focuses on food safety and quality management systems and is recognized as a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmark. The SQF Certification Program utilizes a single standard that is used by all sectors of the food industry.
“Receiving this certification validates our comprehensive food safety management system,” said William Slaughter, director of quality and safety. “We believe being SQF Level 3 certified will continue to increase our customer’s confidence in our food safety practices and increase market opportunities to further build our business and our portfolio of natural and organic pet food brands.”
About Merrick Pet Care, Inc.
Founded in 1968, Amarillo-based Merrick Pet Care Inc. is a leader in the natural and organic pet food category. With a mission to create the most nutritious and wholesome food, Merrick helps families take better care of their pets by cooking up nutritious, real whole foods for pets. All foods are made in the USA using only the freshest ingredients grown by local farmers. The company offers a wide variety of dry and wet foods, as well as treats, that are available nationally at independent pet specialty stores, Petco and online via select retailers. In April 2012, Merrick Pet Care Inc. acquired Castor & Pollux and its Organix and Natural Ultramix products. For more information about Merrick or C&P, visit www.merrickpetcare.com or www.castorpolluxpet.com
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