Seven have been arrested in China allegedly responsible for the recent cases of pig feed poisoning. The drug Clenbuterol was added to pet feed which has sickened about 70 people in China. A repeat of another Clenbuterol pig feed contamination from 2006. Clearly, China still doesn’t have control over safety issues with animal feed ingredients (or much else for that matter).
Reports from China state that nine people have been identified to be responsible for Chenbuterol contamination of pig feed; seven have been arrested. The chemical is known to the Chinese as “shouroujing” which literally means “lean meat essences for pigs” in Chinese, can prevent pigs from accumulating fat, but is poisonous to humans and can be fatal. http://www.allaboutfeed.net/news/china-seven-people-arrested-over-poisoned-pork-2900.html
In September 2006 over 300 people in China were reported to have been poisoned from contaminated pork containing the drug. “There are also other informal reports on localized food contamination cases by Clenbuterol in the U.S. which led to setting rules that limit consumption of this medicine only to horses.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clenbuterol
A search on the FDA website provides nearly 100 pages regarding Clenbuterol; the drug is not approved for use in food animals, however it is approved to treat horses with respiratory disease.
The FDA import refusal lists continues to include various products from China; including soybean meal, a common pet food ingredient. This is just what the FDA has caught. http://www.fda.gov/ora/oasis/ora_ref_prod.html Considering the FDA only inspects 1% to 3% of all food and drug imports into the US, imagine what has gotten by.
Take the time to call the manufacturer of your pet’s food and treats. Ask them if any ingredients are sourced from China, including vitamins and minerals. Without this information, your pet’s health is at risk. Avoid any pet foods or pet treats that contain ingredients sourced from China.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
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