Most Pet Food Binder is powdered food-grade raw material mainly composed of starch, plant gum, animal protein and other substances. It features strong moisture absorption and is highly sensitive to high temperature, light and odorous environments. Improper storage will easily cause caking, mildew, deterioration and performance failure, which directly affects the molding effect and edible safety of pet food. Hence, professional and standardized storage standards must be followed to fully protect raw material quality.
First of all, basic sealing and moisture-proof treatment is the core of storing Pet Food Binder. Unopened original Pet Food Binder should be kept in its original sealed package. The original package is processed for moisture proof and oxygen insulation and can effectively isolate water vapor and dust. Once opened, Pet Food Binder must be immediately transferred into food-grade sealed buckets or thickened sealed storage bags. Squeeze out excess air inside and seal tightly. Never store it with an open lid. Once powdered Pet Food Binder contacts air, it will rapidly absorb moisture from the air and become damp and caked. It will lose bonding performance and breed bacteria and mold, making it completely deteriorated and unusable.
Secondly, strictly control the temperature and light of the storage environment. The optimal storage temperature for Pet Food Binder ranges from 10℃ to 25℃, and cool room temperature works best. The temperature should never exceed 30℃. Keep it away from window sills and balconies under direct sunlight, as well as stoves, heating equipment, electric appliances and all other high-temperature heat sources. High temperature will accelerate oxidation of internal components of Pet Food Binder, destroy its molecular structure, reduce bonding strength and cause failure and deterioration. Meanwhile, high temperature may induce microorganism growth in raw materials. The storage area needs to be dry and ventilated without dark and humid corners, and indoor humidity should be controlled below 60%. Dehumidification measures should be taken on rainy and humid days.
Cross-contamination prevention should also be implemented. As food-grade raw material, Pet Food Binder must not be mixed and stored with acid-base chemicals, detergents, disinfectants, flavors and odorous sundries. Volatile substances from these items can permeate into Pet Food Binder, resulting in odor transfer and raw material deterioration. When used to produce pet food, such deteriorated binder will alter kibble smell and endanger pet health. Besides, designate an independent storage zone, away from pet feces, garbage and other pollution sources, and keep the storage area clean and tidy.
Finally, carry out daily management and shelf life control. Mark the opening date during storage and follow the first-opened-first-used principle. For starch and protein-based Pet Food Binder, the optimal usage period after opening is 1 to 3 months. Long-term storage will gradually reduce its effectiveness. Inspect raw material status regularly. Discard the material immediately if non-breakable caking, discoloration from mildew, strange odors or damp adhesion appear, and never use it for pet food production. Minimize repeated opening and closing of sealed containers to reduce the entry of air and water vapor, maximize the shelf life of Pet Food Binder and guarantee its using effect and food safety.
