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We’re going to ‘The Hill’

Pet food consumer advocates are heading to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress and FDA. We are determined, things must change in pet food.

Pet food consumer advocates are heading to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress and FDA. We are determined, things must change in pet food.

Dr. Karen Becker and myself – along with our volunteer legal council are heading to Washington, D.C. There is the possibility that another major pet food consumer advocate will join us. We have appointments scheduled with three Senator’s offices. On the next day we have a scheduled meeting at FDA headquarters. There are no corporate interests – we are going on behalf of you — pet food consumers.

I cannot disclose the names of who we are meeting with or exactly the mission behind our meetings. Big Pet Food monitors this website, I do not want them to interfere (and I’m confident they would try). Upon our return we will explain all.

But I can tell consumers this – we are serious. This is no social visit. The evidence will be presented – exactly what pet food consumers are forced to deal with because we have a regulatory system that ignores law and an industry full of law breakers.

I recently received an email from a distraught pet food consumer. She feeds a colony of feral cats along with her own pets. As she has learned many ‘truths about pet food’, she has become more and more fearful of feeding her furry family. She tries to learn as much about the ‘food’ she gives her babies as she can. She asks questions of her pet food manufacturer, but she knows they could be lying to her. She knows FDA and each State Department of Agriculture openly allows pet food to violate law. She knows that ‘Made with Real Chicken’ stated on a pet food label actually means ‘real pet food chicken’ which could be condemned chicken. She knows that because the regulation of pet food has been ignored for so long, in an instant – a lethal illegal ingredient in a pet food could devastate her family. She says a prayer each day before she feeds these animals.

No pet owner should feel this way. It doesn’t matter the price of the pet food, it doesn’t matter the style of pet food. No pet food should contain dangerous illegal ingredients. No tax dollar supported federal or state agency should allow industry to profit from illegal pet foods while deceiving consumers. If it says ‘food’ on the label, it should abide by food law. No consumer should be so concerned over a pet food to feel the need to pray for their pet’s safety before they serve a meal.

After the 2007 pet food recall, Congress initiated new laws – the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA). Section 1002 “Ensuring the Safety of Pet Food” required FDA to complete by September 2009, updated pet food ingredient definitions that would include quality standards. Congress also required FDA to update pet food labels that give consumers “nutritional and ingredient information” by the same September 2009 deadline. FDA has not bothered to complete this task.

Pet food is a language all of its own. Every single ingredient in pet food has its own legal definition that is often VERY different than the same ingredient in human food. All human food regulations are public information, all pet food regulations including the legal definitions of ingredients are corporately owned – by AAFCO. For a consumer to truly understand what is in their pet’s food, they are forced to purchase the AAFCO Official Publication which costs $100 a year.

Last but not least, FDA and each State Department of Agriculture allows pet food to violate federal law. Labeling laws are ignored, ingredient quality laws are ignored. The list of laws being ignored is long and it must stop.

No food is perfect, there are risks that come with any consumption of food. But pet food is in a risk category 100 times that of human food…because…law is ignored. Pet food consumers are tax payers, pet food consumers pay sales tax on each pet product they buy, pet food consumers support the government just as any other consumer does. It’s time for government to support pet food consumers. We deserve the opportunity to walk into any grocery or any pet food retailer and buy pet ‘food’ that is legal and as safe as it’s human food counterpart. No more, no less a risk than human food.

In a few weeks, we intend to bring these issues (and more) to decision makers. We have all the bases covered; we have the nation’s #1 veterinarian addressing the many health issues pets suffer due to inferior nutrition, we have a sharp lawyer that will back us up on all legal issues, and we have a very determined consumer advocate that has several years of experience dealing with regulatory authorities (and again, we might have another strong presence join us if circumstances allow). We will be the ones climbing the steps to offices in Congress and stepping into FDA headquarters, but know – all of you will be with us.

We – all of us – are climbing ‘the Hill’ together and we won’t be told ‘no’.

 

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food

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41 Comments

41 Comments

  1. Jeroice

    June 1, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    thanks for all you do. I hope y’all stick the screws to them to a point they have no choice but to cave in and hold savages accountable intentionally poisoning pets for sake for profit.

  2. TJF

    June 1, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    Bless you for all you do, Susan! Looking forward to hearing the updates! May good karma be yours forever, for giving a voice to those who cannot speak and for helping us out here who would otherwise be very mis-informed about an issue that is critical to all of us.

  3. Jan

    June 1, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    That is magnificent!!! I am thrilled to hear this news and know that you will be in my prayers as you meet with representatives. They are there to represent the ‘will’ of the people. Let’s hope that they hold to that and not cave to the bigwigs. I deeply appreciate all that you do for us and all our pets. God speed!

  4. Jeri

    June 1, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Covering you all in prayer as you go fight this fight. Godspeed.

  5. LilnAme

    June 1, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    God Speed Susan!!! We are all with you in spirit. I know you will prevail on behalf of all pet food consumers and their animal companions.

  6. Carmelita

    June 1, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Thank you all for all you do in behalf of our furry babies! I am sending positive energy your way to keep you safe and hope you are successful.

  7. Lisa Marie

    June 1, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    Throwing roses your way, thank you for all you do, your tireless efforts and dedication. 🙂

  8. Darlene

    June 1, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Susan, as much as I love ya, I really wish you didn’t post anything till after your meeting. Nothing to gain by posting before, so why let big pet food in on what you are planning? With the connections they have they can probably figure out who you are scheduled to see and sabotage everything. Hope that doesn’t happen but our government is corrupt .

    • Susan Thixton

      June 1, 2017 at 4:40 pm

      I wanted consumers to know. I was excited about it and felt everyone else would be too. I always report bad news, felt it was good to share some good news for a change. I do understand your concerns however, I have them too. But…regardless of their connections, we are still going and still pressing on.

  9. T Allen

    June 1, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    I hope you can get some media coverage! That would be “priceless!” Be careful and good luck!

  10. Eileen Crosby

    June 1, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    Susan you are truly amazing!!! Thank you for doing this. How can we help you? If there is anything we can do, or you need, please do not hesitate to ask.

  11. Sharon Orchekowsky

    June 1, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    “True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher.” John Petit-Senn Stay safe and strong – the winds of money are gale force.

  12. Sandra Short

    June 1, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    Thank you so much Susan for fighting this fight for all of us!! The truth must win. God bless you and our prayers are with you!

  13. Michelle

    June 1, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    Thank you!

  14. Lauren Thibodeau

    June 1, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    Thank you Susan for the stand you take, it is so much appreciated to have you as our warrior that fights for all our precious animals health regarding pet food. Prayers for all of you while your in DC fighting the good fight! Bless you 🙂

  15. Leanne

    June 1, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Turn up the political heat! Wish you could find a high profile celebrity to work with on this. Can you imagine if you could come up with some sort of ice bucket challenge that would take social media by storm and increase awareness and pressure. Something people could do with their furry one.

  16. Cynthia

    June 1, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Thank you and good luck!

  17. Pacific Sun

    June 1, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    Another milestone, Susan! Just when I’d guess you can’t take anymore (frustration, threats, lying) you go and achieve the next step! Amazing. Just to have the Cap Hill audience. To know, that what you’re going to be saying, is now going into the “record.” ‘Bout time!

    Glad you’ll be supported by the others too (as witnesses)
    Thank you for all that you do!!

  18. Anthony Hepton.

    June 1, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    Susan, As you are well aware, all communications with FDA and CVM that are of significance appear to be quickly shared with the manufacturer or manufacturers directly or indirectly involved with the issues being raised. This is very troubling as it undermines the independence both of the consumer advocates, but also of the agency involved. This concern needs to be on the various agendas and recognizes as an issue.

    • Pacific Sun

      June 1, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      I’ve ALWAYS respected your comments! How do they go about protecting themselves? And how do they get to the heart of the matter without being compromised. The heart of the matter is illegal activity. Who then, has the accountability to take proper action.

      They need to know in advance.

      • Anthony Hepton.

        June 5, 2017 at 5:01 pm

        FDA and CMV give a heads -up to the pet food manufacturers whenever a consumer, or consumer group raises an issue that can compromise a manufacturer. We have been advised to report all product concerns to FDA and other appropriate agencies such as CVM. When the concern involves questionable practices by a manufacturer but the manufacturer in question has already been alerted by the Federal agency in charge of oversight, where are we going to turn to get appropriate corrective action?

        • Pacific Sun

          June 5, 2017 at 8:26 pm

          Not in disagreement, but to expand the discussion. By the reasoning here, by default, the manufacturers have representation because preference is given to their side. Look how difficult it is to ever prove a case against them. FDA, CMV are funded, therefore they’re accountable to their resources. Technically (and I think we’ve read here) each State’s Department of Agriculture is actually more responsible for regulation and enforcement. However, again, it is a branch of government.

          The problem is, there is no formal customer advocacy group (as Ralph Nader existed in his day). He received relative publicity, and consumers appreciated his intervention. Susan is doing this job regarding PF and consumers, but she is totally under-funded, for the scope of the intervention that is actually required. It has taken 10 years to get to a point where agencies have figured out she isn’t going away.

          The only recourse is putting forth lawsuits. Which because of the way the legal system works, puts the onus of proof of violation on the consumer. And if their proof is insufficient or inadequate (legally speaking) then the suit is immediately dismissed. Rather than the burden of defense being on placed on the manufacturer to disprove the allegation. As in having to proved their integrity and compliance to the consumer. There is no chain link between accusation, remedy and improvement (or safeguard).

  19. Duncan Ness

    June 1, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    Have a safe and productive trip! Thank you for doing all this! Thank you for the furry ones who die so that someone else can make a profit–and thank you for we who care for them as best we can.

  20. gail

    June 1, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    We all owe so much gratitude to you. Our voice, our leader. Big Pet Food , and the FDA, had better start listening. The “good old boys” club is being shut down. There’s a woman in charge now. (with a whole mess of helpers and backers).
    Don’t they realize that the first one to make the change is going to get the most marbles? Because, like it or not there is a movement going on that is NOT going to stop. We will be heard…..thanks to you.

  21. Linda Kelly

    June 1, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    Hey Susan as a concerned pet owner who purchases pet food in good faith from a pet food company and expects government regulations are being upheld I would like to donate $25.00 to this group so that these funds can be applied to the groups travel costs. Is there anyone that wants to do the same and where do I send my check? It’s not much but many donating would make a difference. It’s time to make government accountable….
    Linda

    • Susan Thixton

      June 1, 2017 at 9:15 pm

      Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated – but don’t worry. Consumers support me year round with The List and Petsumer Report, I got this covered.

  22. Regina

    June 1, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Good Luck, Susan. May you have a safe and productive trip!!!

    I do hope that you actually talk to someone (as many as possible) who can give this some traction. So many times, constituents only get to meet “staffers” and not their actual elected representative. Big Conglomerate money has so much influence in DC, I do hope that your optimism is not deflated once you get there.

  23. Debi

    June 1, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    PRAYERS ANSWERED !!!!!!!

  24. Sherrie Ashenbremer

    June 1, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    awesome news

  25. Mary Sue

    June 1, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Thanks Susan, Karen, et al.

  26. Teresa

    June 1, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    Thank you Susan. As I was reading this, got tears on my eyes because You work so tirelessly and Am praying that you all will be met with open mindedness and things will finally change. I’m another one who feeds Gerald. Just today I received a case of cat food with one can that had exploded in the case with no other markings on the can. I cannot feed them any of this food and have to throw the entire case away for fear it could kill them. At least Chewy.com is amazing and is sensing me a total replacement with no questions asked. But now I’m scared that something is wrong with their recent batches and will be comtacting the company to make sure it is safe.
    You are in my prayers. Please be safe. Thank you for your tireless work. YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE no matter what happens!?

  27. suzanne

    June 1, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Thank you Thank you Thank you! God bless you and everyone going with you and behalf of all of us pet lovers. Stay safe!

  28. Dianna

    June 1, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    You go, girl! I am so amazed by and grateful to you for all your efforts on our babies’ behalf’s. Know that when you go, we are with you in spirit. Thank you SO much. You and your team are a force to be reckoned with! =)

  29. cathy

    June 2, 2017 at 6:44 am

    thank you for what you are doing on behalf of our pets. I keep our rep in Florida informed so I hope Vern Buchanan will meet with you and take this problem seriously.

  30. Terri Christenson Janson

    June 2, 2017 at 9:42 am

    This makes me so happy I have happy tears in my eyes! Thank you Susan for all you do for us. Bless you with all my heart! 🙂

  31. Reverend Jane Eagle

    June 2, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    You have probably saved more animals lives than any org. Years ago, before I found you, I read a terrific long article on the Born Free website, called “What’s really in pet food?” …So I was with you before I read you.

    Due to the dangers of unregulated pet “food” I refuse to buy any of that garbage in a bag: I make my own, I share my recipes with everyone, and I tirelessly advocate for safe, homemade HUMAN GRADE food for all animals. This movement is spreading; tell the FDA that! You can also point out that many poor people eat canned pet food; when it says “human grade” on the label, that should mean it is safe for humans to eat.

    • Sherrie Ashenbremer

      June 2, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      Would you share your receipes with me? I have 5 dogs, (3 Shih Tzu, around 10 pounds each, 1 Pekegense about 12 pounds and one Jack Russell/Beagle mix at 22 pounds) it is costly to feed them, I buy Honest Kitchen and Zignature and mix them. Sometimes I add some chicken or beef or veggies. I would love some help. Email me at jashenbrem@aol.com thank you

  32. Dengland

    June 2, 2017 at 10:46 pm

    Go get’m ! Thank you for leading this important charge.

  33. Eve

    June 4, 2017 at 5:47 am

    This is FANTASTIC NEWS Susan. You have found your true path calling in life and honoring it and with this you are now receiving profound support by experts and pet consumers to back you up all the way. Even though I myself would ‘never’ advocate ‘any commercial pet feed – I stand by Susan. Eve X

  34. J

    June 4, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Keep on fighting for us Susan Thixton!

  35. M Patterson

    June 12, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    Dear Susan I am compiling an AAFCO doc could please contact me to discuss.

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