FDA to Seize Food from Petco Distribution Plant

[swillow66]

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01854.html

FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center
Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

[HOPE]

I was about to posted it too. I have bought some cow ears there before and my dogs got so sick. I never buy anything unless it is wrapped. You just never know.

[holisticmom]

Hi...I just got to the party and have a question that's been on my heart about this. I'd been buying Nature's Recipe for Orion (11 y.o. boy) at a Petco that was served by distribution center in question. Last fall, he became sick as all get out--he barfed 2-3 times a day, had several accidents in the house (which he NEVER does), and a lot of what was coming out was dark enough that it might have had blood in it . I took him to the vet. She just checked a poop sample, said there was no evidence or parasites or bacteria, and generally had the attitude that he was old with a history of scavenging in the yard, so what did I expect? (You bet we found another vet. We should have people doctors like her.) Every time we tried to get him back on the dry food, he'd have more spells as above. We now have him on a homemade diet, and he's been doing very well. Did this happen to anyone else? Yes, he's allergic to corn and never tolerated fat well at all. He's on Deramaxx for his arthritis and his bloodwork came back perfect as of last week. Thanks for any input!

[Barb Wright]

...Every time we tried to get him back on the dry food, he'd have more spells as above. We now have him on a homemade diet, and he's been doing very well.

On your question....sounds like you found the culprit, the kibble. Tainted kibble is not exactly a rare event, whether it be non-food ingredients (melamine for example) or ingredients that either were tainted during production or went "bad" after shipping. Going to home cooked is a good idea as at least you know exactly what is in the food, something that cannot be said about most commercial product

Older dogs so often just don't have robust digestive systems any more and dry kibble is probably the hardest type food to digest, at any time really. If home cooked is not convenient then a high quality premium canned food would be your best commercial source rather than trying to return to dry kibble. JMO

Welcome to the board.....glad to have you join us and would love to hear more about Orion (neat name and maybe share some photos with us some time

[holisticmom]

Thanks for your input and welcome, Barb! I work out of the house and love to cook, so it's not a big deal for me to nuke a sweet potato and open a can of salmon or cook extra chicken or turkey. Orion loves bananas and veggies for his snacks. He's so much happier, too.
Ever see a dog eat cauliflower? Honest!