Some recent pet food news is nothing but crazy. From FDA testing of pet food for salmonella while freely allowing Chinese imported poultry into the US to more mention of euthanized pets in pet food…it is a crazy pet food world out there.
Crazy Number 1
The FDA recently announced they would begin random Salmonella testing on pet foods, pet treats, and pet supplements; we can safely assume more Salmonella recalls will happen soon. I’m all for the FDA testing pet foods for harmful bacteria, but…
What about aflatoxin testing? The growing conditions last year was so bad, the FDA and USDA provided special conditions to farmers allowing them to sell mold (aflatoxin) contaminated grain mixed with non-contaminated grain and used in animal foods. It is almost certain there are pet foods on store shelves right now with dangerous levels of aflatoxins. But the FDA doesn’t have deadly aflatoxin testing on their testing radar. (FYI: science has proven that even low levels of aflatoxins can be deadly. To learn more about aflatoxins Click Here)
What about the avian flu outbreak in China right now…that has killed 22 people…and World Health Organization states is “one of the most lethal” of its kind and transmits more easily to humans than other strains? What about the continued flow of chicken and duck jerky treats from China allowed to be imported into the US? What about the scientific connection of pet illness and death to the illegal drugs confirmed in the jerky treats provided to FDA months ago? And what about the jerky treats imported from China that remain on store shelves? Does no one at FDA even think about the risk these Chinese chicken treats pose?
Crazy Number 2
Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently published a report titled ‘Superbugs Invade American Supermarkets’; an analysis of research and government testing of supermarket meat. They found “startling high levels of antibiotic resistant bacteria” on various meats.
The FDA didn’t like the news provided by EWG, and blasted back calling the consumer advocacy organization report “inaccurate and alarmist”. And of course EWG fired back at FDA with some good follow-up points.
What is so crazy (to me at least) – regardless whose interpretation of antimicrobial resistance data you want to believe (FDA or EWG) – why isn’t the FDA more ‘alarmist’? Wouldn’t it be nice if FDA took a proactive/preventive approach to bacteria and food contamination? Instead of waiting for the bomb to drop and back tracking to see what went wrong?
Crazy Number 3
For decades, the question if euthanized pets could end up as rendered ingredients of pet foods has worried pet food consumers. Recent reports from Spain confirmed through DNA evidence dog remains in animal foods. And recently the website Slate.com discussed the very real possibility of euthanized pets in pet foods in the U.S. (and this story was quoted on AOL’s Paw Nation and Examiner.com too).
What is so crazy is the mere possibility (likelihood) of euthanized pets in pet food continues to exist today (2013). Federal law prohibits any euthanized animal (or any part of a non-slaughtered animal) into human or animal food, but (again) our tax dollar supported FDA openly provides the pet food/animal food industry with loopholes to allow any waste ingredient. Worse yet, the pet food/animal food label is not required to warn the consumer to the truth of what they are purchasing; images of wholesome meats can be displayed on the label while inside the bag or can contains horrendous ingredients.
And don’t forget…our tax dollar supported Representatives in Congress continue to turn their heads to all of this as well.
Here’s a crazy wish…
An FDA that is proactive. An FDA that puts the best interest of consumers in front of industry. An FDA that enforces the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as the law is written – word for word. An FDA that cares about the health of our pets. And a Congress that cares more about the consumers they represent instead of the next election.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
2013 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here
Have you read Buyer Beware? Click Here
Cooking for pets made easy, Dinner PAWsible
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