The FDA investigation into dog treats has been a concerning issue for many pet owners. The Diamond Pet Foods brand was one of the first to be linked to the outbreak, with over 1,000 dogs affected.
The investigation revealed that the treats were contaminated with pentobarbital, a toxic substance that can be fatal to dogs. This was a major red flag, and the FDA took swift action to recall the affected products.
The recall was not limited to Diamond Pet Foods, however. Other brands, including Blue Buffalo and Taste of the Wild, were also found to have contaminated products.
FDA Investigates Jerky Pet Treats
The FDA has been investigating jerky pet treats for years, and it's a story that's both shocking and reassuring.
In 2013, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Marketing found low levels of antibiotic residues in several jerky pet treat brands.
The FDA noticed a drop in complaints after these products were removed from the market, but some brands returned in 2014 with formulation changes.
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The agency believes it's unlikely that reports of illness were caused by antibiotic residues, but they're still investigating other potential causes.
FDA scientists reviewed the NYSDAM findings and noted that when measurable levels of antibiotic drugs were found in the treats, they were consistently at very low levels – almost all were less than 0.0001 percent.
This is a tiny amount, equivalent to less than one inch in 16 miles.
The FDA has adapted the NYSDAM testing method for use in its own field laboratories for regulatory and enforcement purposes.
In 2014, FDA's Vet-LIRN tested 71 jerky pet treat samples and identified 27 that tested positive for amantadine.
The agency didn't request a recall because the products had been sold a year or more ago.
However, FDA has implemented an Import Alert directing its field investigators to detain shipments of products that test positive for amantadine.
The agency has also notified Chinese authorities that it considers the presence of amantadine in these products to be an adulterant.
In 2015, the FDA expanded its testing methodology to include duck jerky and detected antibiotic and antiviral residues in an imported duck jerky product.
The Import Alert was revised to include all poultry jerky-type pet treats.
Product Safety and Risks
The FDA has been investigating a mystery surrounding jerky pet treats that have been making pets sick. The affected products have been linked to illnesses in dogs.
Several companies, including Nestle Purina PetCare, have confirmed that they use irradiation to sterilize the affected treats. Irradiation is a process that uses radiation to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.
The FDA has announced that it will begin testing the affected products to determine if irradiation may have contributed to some of the treat-related issues. This investigation is ongoing.
Some pet owners may be wondering if their pet's favorite treats are safe. If you're concerned about the safety of your pet's treats, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service department for more information.
Pet Food Poisoning
Pet Food Poisoning can be a serious issue for pets and their owners. Jerky pet treats have been linked to illnesses in pets, with the FDA investigating the cause.
Some companies, like Nestle Purina PetCare, use irradiation to sterilize their jerky pet treats. This process has been banned in Australia after reports of paralysis and death in cats.
If your pet has become sick or has died, it's essential to report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture. Save all pet food and don't return it for a refund.
The FDA has announced it will begin testing affected products to determine if irradiation may have contributed to some of the treat-related issues. This investigation is ongoing.
Here are some steps you can take if you suspect your pet has fallen ill due to pet food:
- Save all pet food
- Do not return it for a refund
- Report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture
- Ask your veterinarian to report to the FDA if your pet required veterinary care
Chinese Pet Food Imports Growth
In the past ten years, there has been a dramatic increase in the import of pet food from China into the United States. This growth is largely due to the abundance of light meat poultry products available for export in China.
From 2003 to 2011, the volume of pet food exports to the United States from China grew 85-fold. That's a staggering increase in just eight years.
In 2011 alone, nearly 86 million pounds of pet food came from China. This is a massive amount of pet food, and it's worth considering the potential risks associated with importing such a large quantity of products from a single country.
Pet treats, including jerky, are now the fastest growing segment of the pet food market. This trend is likely to continue, making it even more important to be aware of the potential risks associated with these types of products.
Check this out: Dog Food
Sources
- Bones Can Kill Your Dog – Find Out Which Ones are Safe (theanimalkeeper.com)
- Jerky Treats Death Toll Rises (dogfoodadvisor.com)
- Linkedin (linkedin.com)
- Post (x.com)
- Share (facebook.com)
- FDA Voice: Help Us Find Out Why Jerky Treats Are Making Pets Sick (archive-it.org)
- Jerky Pet Treats - Letter to Veterinarians (archive-it.org)
- Deaths of 500 dogs blamed on jerky treats, FDA says (nbcnews.com)
- death of a beautiful little dog named Zoe (kfor.com)
- www.PetsumerReport.com (petsumerreport.com)
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