Soon after Menu Foods announced the beginnings of the petfood recall in March 2007, lawsuits were filed against them alleging that they knew about the problem the previous month and that many pets were harmed in the interim. There were 120 lawsuits filed in many different states and lawyers recently acknowledged that a settlement might be near.
One year later, it is now known that the pet food recall of 2007 had a precursor
It has been one year since the massive pet food recalls of spring 2007. We now know that an outbreak of pet food induced illness and death in Asia in 2004 was also caused by contamination of grains by melamine and cyanuric acid. If only this had been known prior to the 2007 outbreak, the cause certainly would have been identified sooner.
Melamine was added to grains by Chinese manufacturers to artificially raise the tested level of protein in the ingredient. This allowed the ingredient to pass specifications, although it was not truly the correct ingredient at all. The melamine alone is not toxic, but in combination with cyanuric acid, another chemical by-product that was also present in the grain, the two lead to kidney failure.
In 2004, a massive outbreak, affecting 6,000 dogs and an unknown number of cats in Asia was linked back to dog and cat foods manufactured by Mars Inc in Thailand. Researchers could not identify the cause and thought that a fungal toxin was the most likely culprit.
Fungal toxins were also on the list of possible contaminants during the spring 2007 recall, affecting more than 1,000 types of pet food here in the US. Researchers at University of Georgia and also at Mars Incorporated identified the same crystals that were found in the animals that died last spring in retained samples from the 2004 outbreak in Asia.
Greg Aldrich, a consultant with Pet Food & Ingredient Technologies, does not believe that this knowledge would have prevented the recall last spring since the ingredients were sourced from Thailand in the 2004 Asia outbreak. However, it seems likely that scientists might have known to look for this compound earlier in the situation if a previous outbreak had been recorded.
Winter Dangers for Pets
Winter is here and we are thinking of family gatherings, holiday parties, and perhaps even snow and ice. Wintertime can be beautiful, festive and a great time for winter sports, but keeping our pets safe could involve a little homework and preparation.
Whether or not snow actually falls in your area, many people will gather for traditional holiday parties. With all of the delicious smells and exciting new people, our pets may take advantage of a stranger’s generosity or an unattended plate in order to help themselves to the appetizers. However natural it is to share with our pets, there are a few foods that should be avoided. These foods include:
- Excessively salty foods
Sweets and chocolate
Foods with onion or onion powder
Excessively fatty foods
Grapes and raisins
Poultry bones
Alcohol or eggnog
Chocolate and sweets deserve special mention due to their abundance during this time of year. Some candies and foods that are artificially sweetened with the ingredient, xylitol, can actually cause a rapid decrease in blood sugar of dogs and has even been implicated in some liver failure cases.
Chocolate is a well-known toxic for dogs, but baking chocolate and the semi-sweet varieties are much more dangerous, causing heart problems, vomiting, and even death. And, it should go without saying that pets should never be given any alcoholic beverage. Not funny, potentially dangerous.
In our quest to decorate and create a cheerful atmosphere, we often will use various plants. Almost any member of the lily family can be deadly to cats and other holiday foliage, such as mistletoe and holly, can also cause severe stomach upset to our pets. Interestingly, poinsettias are actually over-rated with respect to toxicity. Most pets who ingest a poinsettia leaf may have mild irritation of the mouth and/or stomach.
Artificial decorations can be just as bad. To a cat, a ribbon or strand of tinsel can be too much of a temptation. These long string-like objects can be swallowed and cause major problems in the intestines and stomach. Electric cords can cause electrocution or severe burns if chewed upon and many glass ornaments or lights can be easily broken and cut your pet’s feet or mouth.
Beyond the dangers indoors, the outdoor world may be just as bad. One of the most common poisonings of pets during the winter months is a case of ingested car anti-freeze. Its pleasant, sweet taste masks a deadly poison that can kill with very small amounts. If you even suspect that your pet has consumed anti-freeze, you need to contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency hospital immediately! Rat and mouse poisons, as well as ice melting products should be used with care around any pets.
Pets can suffer the effects of frostbite and hypothermia just as easily as their owners. Household pets should stay indoors in very cold temperatures. But if your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide them shelter from the wind and moisture. In this case, bigger is not better! Smaller homes will help to trap body heat more efficiently. Use heated water bowls and replenish everyday.
Knowing your pet’s limitations will be very important during these months. An older dog may not be as sure-footed on the ice and young puppies may not have enough body fat to keep them warm for extended periods in the snow. Monitor your pets when they go out for exercise or for their “bathroom breaks” to insure that they are able to make it back on their own. In addition, the added excitement and presence of strangers in the house may be too much for some excitable pets. Find a quiet room for their kennel and make time for them after your guests have left.
Wintertime can be glorious and full of family fun. It does not have to involve a visit to the animal emergency room if a few simple precautions are taken. Talk to your family veterinarian about a winter “check-up” for your pet and how to avoid a winter catastrophe. Visit www.MyVNN.com to watch a video filled with some simple winter pet tips.
Pet Toy Safety
Well, it seems that there is not much news on the pet food front, but with the issues with toys for children this holiday season, the question of pet toy safety has been raised.
1. Due to concerns of lead paint in children’s toys made in China, as well as the massive toy recalls, some pet owners and veterinarians are becoming concerned about dog and cat toys as well.
2. To date, there have been no scientific studies to determine how lead from toys might affect our pets.
3. Unlike human toys that are tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pet toys are not specifically tested by any organization.
4. The following website is a detailed article about pet toys sold by Wal-Mart and the on-going battle of words between Wal-Mart and ConsumerAffairs.com (note, this is NOT an objective article) http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/pet_food_recalls76.html
5. A news station in Phoenix, Arizona had several pet toys tested at a laboratory and found levels of lead that were far below levels that are deemed safe. However, these standards were based on levels of lead in paint and no similar standards have been set for pet toys.
6. To date, the AVMA has not issued a position statement on this subject.
7. Veterinarians recommend that pet owners use toys designed specifically for dogs or cats and not substitute children’s toys.
8. Avoid the following types of toys:
a. Toys that contain squeakers that can be removed by the pet
b. Toys that can be chewed into small pieces
c. Any toy with rope that can unravel and be swallowed
d. Any toy with string or yarn for cats
e. Cloth or rubber toys
9. Consider all toys to be rated “PG” (Parental Guidance) and don’t leave your pet alone with the toy until you are certain that the toy will stand up to your pet’s playing.
10. Use size appropriate toys. Avoid giving small rubber balls to large breed dogs. These can easily become lodged in the airway.
Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pets
1. Prevent unwanted litters! Did you know that nearly 4 million pets are euthanized in the United States each year? It’s easy for the owners of female pets to realize when they are contributing to this, but the owners of male dogs should understand the impact that their dog is having on the unwanted pet population.
2. For male pets, eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. The testicles are removed during the neutering surgery so without testicles, there is no chance for testicular cancer. If you have a male pet that has only one descended testicle, it is especially important that both testicles are removed. Retained testicles are much more likely to develop cancer.
3. For female pets, greatly reduce the risk of breast or mammary cancer. If a female dog is spayed prior to her first heat, she is very unlikely to ever develop breast cancer.
4. For males, reduce the risk of prostate enlargement or abscesses. Without the influence of testosterone from the testicles, prostatic problems are much less likely. Enlarged prostates can cause difficulty in urinating and also can lead to constipation.
5. Keep your pets at home – Intact pets are much more likely to wander. Males will wander off in search of a lovely lady and are much more likely to become injured by other dogs or hit by a car. In rural areas, it is not unheard of for dogs to be shot when they wander onto someone’s property and pick fights with other dogs or bother any female dogs.
6. Reduces aggressiveness and undesirable behavior – Isn’t it embarrassing when your puppy mounts someone’s leg? Well this is just play behavior, but adult intact males will mount people’s legs as a sexual behavior and this is pretty undesirable, especially at a dinner party! Neutered dogs are less likely to be aggressive to people or other dogs, especially important if you live in a neighborhood or have people to your home frequently. Neutered cats are less likely to get into fights and cat fights usually result in unwanted veterinary bills.
7. Decrease odors in your home – Neutered pets are unlikely to have any marking behavior, which can leave unwanted stains or smells in your house. When we bought our house this past summer, the previous owners were horrified when they moved their couches and found that their little male dog had been marking every side of the couches. They were horrified, but we had the expense of ripping out the carpet!
8. Don’t spread bad genes. Professional breeders are responsible and work hard to ensure the integrity of their lines. Many pets are sold as “pet” quality, which means that there is something about them that makes them undesirable as a show animal. Don’t risk passing this undesirable trait on or making it worse. Your pet can be a wonderful pet without having puppies or kittens.
9. Remember, your pet does not feel that he or she is missing out on something by not contributing to the pet population of the world.
10. One last point – your children do not need to see the miracle of birth by watching your pet go through it. Teach them about the miracle of life by visiting a zoo, watching a movie, or reading a book.
All is quiet…
All is relatively quiet on the pet food front, so let’s celebrate the season with some timely topics. There have been some regulations added in Japan, China and the US have made an agreement regarding product safety, and we are all still waiting for the FDA’s big news on pet food safety… So, enjoy the holidays and we’ll be back in full swing after the New Year.
Gift ideas for your pets and your pet loving friends
I am big on health and fitness, especially as a veterinarian seeing the detrimental effects of obesity on some many of our pets. So, here are a few gift ideas that will help keep you and your pet fit and healthy as we move from 2007 to 2008.
1. Update a favorite toy or chew toy: With concerns about lead in pet toys, maybe it’s time to update that worn out squeak toy. An added bonus…a new toy may keep your pet from chewing on everyone else’s gifts! Hot toys this year: Busy Buddy Twist and Treat for dogs (approximately $7) and The SmartCat Tick Tock Teaser for cats (available for about $17).
2. Fill up the treat jar with something new: We know you love to sneak those little tid-bits to your best friend! But, many of the holiday foods and snacks aren’t very good for dogs or cats and could cause major medical problems. Play it safe with some healthy, pet appropriate treats and remember to avoid giving too many treats of any type! You can even send a gift of treats to your pet’s best friend…visit DoggieDeliveries for ideas that range from $10 to more than $100 for some gift baskets.
3. Time to get in shape! Just like us, our pets have problems with being overweight. So, how about a new leash and collar as an incentive to walk more during the holidays? Couch potato owners can exercise their dogs with GoDogGo, an automatic fetch machine for your dog! Be prepared to pay for your laziness. GoDogGo starts at $150! Cat owners can help exercise their pudgy kitty with “Da-Bird”, an interactive cat teaser complete with feathers and 36” wand at a more reasonable $7-10.
4. Appropriate foods for every life stage: We know our pets need to lose weight, so how about a low calorie food to help start the New Year off right? Is your pet older? A senior diet may be better than the regular maintenance diet you have been using. Remember, start the new food slowly and mix it in with the old food to avoid digestive problems.
I always knew my grandma was smart, but she gave me a great gift idea for those on my list who really don’t need anything (at least not anything I can afford!). She donates to a local pet charity in the name of her daughter-in-law every year. Pet shelters and humane organizations are always in need of money to buy food, blankets and to provide veterinary care for the pets they are housing. Consider making a charitable donation to a pet based charity (tax deductible too!).
Food and Feed Safety – Waiting for the FDA
The FDA will be announcing its new Food and Feed Safety procedures/program in December. Speaking with pet food manufacturers, there is a great deal of interest in what will be said, as well as a fair amount of apprehension.
Depending on who you talk to, the system works well or not at all. Recently, at a Manhattan news conference, Senator Charles Schumer demanded “immediate action” of the USDA to change its procedures in dealing with meat and poultry products. Prompted by the recent massive recall of Topps hamburger patties, Schumer is just one voice calling for improvements in our food safety system.
The FDA will be offering guidelines that apply not only to human food, but also to pet food. Will we be done with recalls? Hardly. But, there may be more coordination in the regulation of pet food and human food. Pet food manufacturers will still be responsible for the bulk of the regulation through self-regulation because there are just not enough people in the government to police every last ingredient or food.
Congress has required the FDA by laws that have passed to expand its programs and its role in food and feed safety. There is not any funding include in the bills that mandate this expansion. Pet food manufacturers are right to believe that they will continue to be on the front lines, protecting their brands and protecting the pets that eat the food they manufacture.
It will be interesting to see what comes in December. Pet food manufacturers are waiting, maybe holding their breath a bit, to see what will happen.
Good news for pet food, bad news for human food!
It seems that the past few weeks have been full of recalls or alarming announcements from the human food industry, mainly on meat products for bacterial contamination. The largest hamburger patty recall in history has led to the closing of Topps, the country’s largest producer of these patties. Approximately 21 million pounds of patties were recalled for E. coli contamination. This contamination and its link to illnesses, primarily in the northeast, are still being investigated by the FDA. Now in the news is the shut down of a ConAgra plant in Missouri because of possible Salmonella contamination in pot pies. Proper handling and cooking should destroy the bacteria and the product is not being recalled, pending an investigation.
It is good not to hear any new recall or product concern announcements from the pet food industry for more than one or two days. This break gives manufacturers time to focus on their products, future projects, and future plans for quality and safety assurance programs. We’ll discuss some pet health issues until something else arises in the news that impacts the pet food industry.
Got amino acids? – Why we need confidence in the Chinese amino acid industry.
Thanks again to David Primrose, for another contribution to our Pet Supply Verified weblog.
As highlighted in another blog entry, taurine is an essential amino acid in cat nutrition. Without it “Tigger”, “Max” “Smokey” and friends would suffer from cardiac failure and blindness.
However, the role of amino acids in pet food is much wider than this. They play crucial roles in the development of flavor and color. Flavor systems are a key part of the palatability and acceptance of prepared pet foods and color plays an important role in customer acceptance.
An example of this is the generation of “meaty” flavours and golden / brown colors by the Maillard reactions that take place between amino acids and reducing sugars, for example glycine and xylose.
Without amino acids, pet food producers would need to look at alternatives to help make their products palatable and acceptable to the customer buying the products. This all takes resources in the form of time, money and people.
Whilst working for one of the biggest global pet food producers, I worked on development and approval of amino acid suppliers in China. As is often the case, the driver was to reduce costs by buying from a region where energy, raw material and labor costs were lower.
Although I don’t know the statistics, over recent years China has grown to become a significant exporter of amino acids to all external markets around the globe where pet food is manufactured.
I was very interested therefore, to read in the latest edition of “Petfood Industry” (September 2007) that some major pet food makers are reducing their ingredient buying in China or even stopping completely. In the current climate of people questioning the safety of many different types Chinese products this might seem a logical step.
Whilst there is no evidence that Chinese amino acids are not “safe” on the basis of their country of origin, they could be caught up by the general lack of faith in the “Made in China” label.
However, unless the pet food producers have complete “faith” in Chinese amino acids, have alternatives up their sleeves, or “safe” amino acid plants can instantly be opened up outside China, there will be an on-going dependency on exports from China.
Instead of the knee-jerk reaction to stop buying from China, an alternative strategy for the pet food makers is to rebuild faith and confidence in the quality of Chinese raw materials, in their own minds and those of the regulatory authorities, retailers and customers buying their pet food products.
This is where the Pet Supply Verified (PSV) program can play a role. Based on the proven USDA verification platform and with audit systems carried out by independent auditors PSV tools can be used to help rebuild faith in a verified ingredient supply for the 21st century.
The Chinese ingredient manufacturers or their trade associations could of course help this healing process and demonstrate their commitment to rebuilding confidence in the “Made in China” label by taking on board the PSV program themselves.
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