When sourcing all ingredients individual member companies operate their own stringent in-house quality assurance policies.

These include strict specifications for material supplies, routine testing of all incoming materials and the use of vendor assurance schemes to monitor supply sources. Materials are sourced both at home and abroad. The UK is not self-sufficient and alternative sources include the USA, Canada, South America,  Australasia and various European countries. All materials imported must comply with the strict legislation laid down in the UK

All raw materials have a propensity for the presence of foreign bodies and PFMA members use a variety of cleaning systems which may include such processes as screens, magnets, metal detectors and similar equipment in order to remove offending items.

Additionally, plant based substances are carefully monitored for the presence of contaminants such as mycotoxins and pesticide residues as required by the Feedingstuffs Regulations 2005. Members specifically require the absence of these materials in raw materials specifications and implement due diligence strategies including supplier audits and a variety of inspection schemes to ensure product safety.

General provision regarding traceability and safe manufacture of petfood are also laid down in the EU Feed Hygiene Regulation.