Excluding Contaminants

Heavy Metal Standards

Some naturally-occurring elements are widely known to pose toxicity risks to humans and animals.  These elements include arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.  AAFCO has recommended broad industry guidelines for maximum concentrations of these elements in mineral feed ingredients.  ASP maintains a more strict set of standards that our inbound ingredient suppliers must meet, and we routinely test incoming material to verify compliance.

Dioxin Prevention

Dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs are hazardous chlorine-containing compounds that pose health risks when included in the diets of humans and animals.  They are fat-soluble organic molecules that have been shown to accumulate in tissues and are known to cause birth defects.  They are also suspected human carcinogens.  Dietary regulatory agencies have not established limits for dioxins because of the varying types of these contaminants and the difficulty accurately testing them.  Industry efforts have been directed at identifying conditions conducive to dioxin formation and controlling processes to eliminate them.  Dioxins are produced under specific conditions in the incineration of chlorine-containing substances, and ASP works with suppliers to review production practices and eliminate potential sources of dioxin formation.

BSE/Mad Cow and Melamine Prevention

Mad Cow Disease (BSE) and melamine adulteration are dietary risks that have been associated with certain protein ingredients.  ASP prohibits any of the protein ingredients that the FDA considers risk factors for BSE from entering our facility.  Additionally, we control the vast majority of our inbound ingredient transport by using ASP dedicated trucks, and we use only third-party transporters whose trucks are certified not to have previously transported prohibited protein products.  Similarly, we require protein suppliers to certify their products as melamine-free.

CATAGORY PAGES: Excluding Contaminants | Nutrient Purity