An FDA Import Alert classified as ‘Detention Without Physical Examination’ tells us the product being imported has a history of contamination. These Detention Without Physical Examination alerts allow authorities to place a hold on imported products (based on previous issues) until the manufacturer provides FDA with evidence the imported goods are safe.
It is important to note, when a product is held due to an Import Alert – it DOES NOT confirm the product is contaminated. It is only a hold – perhaps temporary or perhaps the shipment will be rejected – until more information is known. The FDA has requirements each company must meet in order to remove their products from hold, the requirements vary based on the particular historical concern.
Some recent Import Alerts bring up bad memories; illegal antibiotics in jerky treats.
Background: Starting around 2007, jerky treats imported from China began causing devastating illnesses and deaths in pets. It wasn’t until 2013 that these products were recalled/withdrawn from sale due to illegal antibiotic residues found in the treats.
After the 2013 jerky treat recalls, Import Alerts were issued for products coming into the US from known suppliers/manufacturers of previously contaminated products. However the FDA recently updated the existing alert adding:
“The revision of this Import Alert (IA) dated 01/23/2025 updates the reason for alert, guidance section including agency contacts, charge code language, and product description. Changes to the import alert are bracketed by asterisks (***).
***The presence of antibiotics and antivirals in poultry jerky-type pet treats is a safety concern for animals. Tilmicosin, trimethoprim, and enrofloxacin are not approved for use in poultry. Sulfaclozine (a.k.a. sulfachloropyrazine) is approved for use in chickens but has a has a zero-tolerance level in edible tissues of chickens. ***Sulfaquinoxaline, which is approved for use in chickens and turkeys, has a tolerance level of 0.1 ppm, and no finished product should have a residue level above the established tolerance. The antivirals Amantadine, Rimantadine, and Memantine are prohibited for use in poultry including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.”
The products included in this Alert were unnamed brands of duck and chicken jerky treats imported from China:
The Alert also stated:
“In order to secure release of an individual shipment subject to DWPE under this import alert, the owner, consignee and/or another responsible party to the affected goods should provide evidence which demonstrates that the product does not contain the following antibiotics and/or antivirals referenced in the Red List or the level detected is within an established tolerance level (i.e., sulfaclozine (a.k.a. sulfachloropyrazine), sulfaquinoxaline).“
For more information on this Import Alert, click here.
It is unknown if FDA has recently tested jerky treat products imported from China that led to this updated import alert. However it is our belief that FDA had some evidence to potential contamination of these products or the updated alert would not have been added in January 2025. That said, we repeat – just because there is an Import Alert, that does NOT confirm the product is contaminated with illegal antibiotics. These alerts are holds until the manufacturer can evidence the shipment is safe.
If you give your pet jerky treats, scan the package to look for country of origin. The package should disclose Made in China if they are imported treats. If your pet becomes ill you believe linked to a jerky treat, please report the issue to FDA.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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February 5, 2025 at 10:21 am
Thank you for your diligence and care for our furry families. You are appreciated.