This article is a excerpt from our white paper that contains the full findings. Download the white paper.
New analysis from NextBeam shows that 63% of pet food and treat recalls stem from issues that irradiation could have prevented.
Between 2018 and 2025, the FDA recorded dozens of recalls tied to microbial contamination in both raw and dry pet food. The data reveal a clear pattern: most safety events trace back to the same group of pathogens—Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli.
Despite progress in formulation and quality control, these problems continue to disrupt production and damage consumer trust.
Growing Risk for Brands
The pet food industry continues to shift toward fresher, less-processed products. While appealing to consumers, this trend increases microbial risk. As production scales, even small lapses in sanitation or temperature management can result in recalls that cost millions and weaken brand reputation.
NextBeam’s analysis shows that these events are preventable with validated kill steps that neutralize pathogens after packaging, providing a level of control that traditional safety systems often lack.
How E-Beam Changes the Equation
E-Beam (electron beam) sterilization uses controlled energy to eliminate pathogens inside sealed packaging. It is a cold, residue-free, non-thermal process recognized by regulators worldwide. For pet food manufacturers, it offers a scalable way to ensure microbial stability without affecting taste, texture, or nutrition.
By closing the gap between production and packaging, E-Beam can eliminate the most common sources of contamination and help protect pets, families, and brands.
Building a Smarter Safety Model
NextBeam’s 2025 white paper, “FDA Data Reveals That 63% of Pet Food Recalls Are Preventable,” compiles eight years of FDA data and examines how validated irradiation could have prevented most contamination events. It also explores the financial impact of recalls and outlines a framework for stronger microbial control in modern pet food manufacturing.
Curious if E-Beam will work for your product? Book a call with a sterilization expert today.
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