In 2009, the FDA issued a warning to consumers about Zicam Intranasal, a human product. The FDA warning stated they received “more than 130 reports” of loss of sense of smell associated with the product. Retailers, out of concern for consumers, removed the Zicam product from store shelves. The manufacturer voluntarily recalled the product. But with dog treats…Two years later (November 2011), the FDA issues its third warning about a dog treat that was linked to serious illness and death. The FDA told Senator Sherrod Brown more than 600 events of pet illness or death has been reported since November 2011. Not one national retailer has removed the dog treat from store shelves. Not one jerky treat manufacturer/importer has voluntarily recalled the treats.
In 2009, the FDA issued a warning to consumers about a Zicam product for humans; the FDA warned the product could cause a loss of the sense of smell. Retailers, responded and removed the Zicam product from store shelves. Two years later (November 2011), the FDA issues a third warning about a dog treat that is linked to serious illness and death, but not one national retailer has removed the dog treat from store shelves. Not one.
On June 16, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers regarding Zicam Intranasal Zinc Products. “The products may cause a loss of sense of smell.”
On June 17, 2009 (the very next day), Denver’s ABC affiliate 7 News spoke with a Walgreens representative; Walgreens pulled the Zicam products from store shelves out of precaution.
But this is not the case with dog treats. Instead…
Many pet owners along with myself and fellow pet food safety advocate Mollie Morrissette have pleaded with retailers to remove the risky dog treats from store shelves. I’ve had lengthy conversations with Walmart and Petsmart. I’ve contacted Publix Supermarket and had a conversation with Fred Meyer supermarket on Facebook. I provided all with the information that the FDA has issued three warnings to consumers on dog jerky treats imported from China, provided all that a Senator from Ohio is hammering the FDA to find a reason why hundreds of pets are becoming sick and dying, provided them with the information MSNBC discovered of the largest reports of death/illness is linked to Waggin Train, Canyon Creek Ranch and Milo’s Kitchen brands. And with all of my pleas, I asked for someone from corporate to return my call; I felt if they just heard the facts, they would do the right thing. No return call from any corporate office, no pulled treats.
Compared to Pink Slime. There has been no links of Pink Slime to serious illness or death. There has been no FDA warning about the safety of Pink Slime. However, when outraged consumers initiated petitions to ban Pink Slime, retailers listened. Major national fast food restaurants and major national grocery chains removed Pink Slime from their shelves. So much so, that the manufacturer of Pink Slime closed three of its four plants.
Such is not the case with pet treats. The FDA has linked Chinese imported dog jerky treats with pet death and serious illness. The FDA has issued three warnings on the dog treats. Outraged pet owners have initiated petition after petition gaining thousands of signatures. Major media has reported numerous stories on the treats. But…no major national retailer has listened. No national retailer, grocery chain or chain pet store has pulled the treats out of precaution.
Instead, pets continue to die or suffer from serious kidney disease pet owners and veterinarians believe to be directly linked to the imported jerky treats.
I was told by the Walmart Priority Assistance Line that the issue is being evaluated by the Merchandising Department. I asked to speak to someone in the Merchandising Department, and was told that was impossible. The Walmart representative did suggest to send ‘Corporate’ a message through their corporate website. Below is what I sent…
Please remove from store shelves these dog jerky treats: Waggin Train, Milo’s Kitchen, and Canyon Creek Ranch. MSNBC – through Freedom of Information Act – obtained FDA records that these three treats have the most FDA complaints of pet illness or death. Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio) has been demanding the FDA find a reason why so many pets continue to become sick or die believed to be related to these treats. Walmart can lead and all others will follow. Please do the right thing by the many pet food consumers that support Walmart. Please remove these dog treats from store shelves immediately – before another pet becomes sick and dies.
If you want to send Walmart a plea to remove these treats, go to
http://www.walmartstores.com/contactus/feedback.aspx
Tick the option: Product Question/Product Feedback
Click Next
Select Brand – Other
In the Specify Brand box enter – Waggin’ Train, Milo’s Kitchen (the box does not allow to list three products)
Item Description enter – dog jerky treats
Comments: enter your own plea or feel free to copy the same plea I sent them above.
Click Complete Contact Information.
Next
This page will reference a store in your area, but I was told this is the way to reach corporate decision makers. “Is this the store you are referencing?”
Click Finish
Each time you go into Walmart, Target, your grocery or major pet store chain – ask them why they have not voluntarily removed these treats. If they can remove pink slime – which never killed anyone – why can’t they take the same precaution with these jerky treats?
I can share that many people continue to investigate this issue. I have reached out for help to experts I know and trust. From veterinarians, to scientists, to former FDA Investigators. All have/are giving their time and expertise trying to find a resolve. If/when these experts find something, I will be asking all concerned pet owners for donations to pay for testing. Let’s hope I can come back soon with a request for donations. This needs to end.
Here’s hoping that we receive many Pledges.
