TruthaboutPetFood.com received the following release from Evangers Pet Food stating the FDA has closed its investigation of Evangers Pet Food; a warning letter that was issued in May 2011.
From Evangers Pet Food:
FDA CLOSES WARNING ISSUE FOR ILLINOIS-BASED PET FOOD COMPANY
Evanger’s clears its name after a thorough investigation proves no wrongdoing
WHEELING, IL (March 22, 2013) Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company is excited to lay to rest allegations of misbranding pet food products.
Almost two years ago, the FDA made serious allegations against the company after sample DNA extractions from two products out of 300 formulations Evanger’s produced in 2010, could not confirm that lamb was present in a lamb-based product, or that duck was present in a duck-based product. Though Evanger’s was granted a period of time to conduct a third-party investigation into the matter, the FDA released a Warning Letter on May 5, 2011.
Soon after engaging with Burdock Group, a notable food safety and regulatory compliance consulting firm, and Genetic ID, a USDA-approved independent testing laboratory, test results from the same batches disproved the FDA’s allegations. In addition to these third-party test results, Evanger’s furnished numerous records documenting the purchase of materials needed to make the products in question. After a lengthy period of investigation, the FDA has officially closed the Warning.
“The damage to our reputation is difficult to repair, but we are grateful at last to be able to move on from this issue,” said Holly Sher, President of Evanger’s. “Throughout our 78-year history, our company has never been involved in any recall, mandatory or voluntary, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide the most nutritious human-grade, USA-sourced pet foods made in our own Illinois kitchens.”
About Evanger’s
Founded in 1935, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company is the only privately-held, family-owned and operated pet food cannery in the United States. Dedicated to improving the health, length, and quality of life of pets through wholesome, hand-packed nutrition, Evanger’s has NEVER been involved in a recall, voluntary or mandatory, throughout its 78-year history. Made in the USA, in the kitchen of Evanger’s, each farm-fresh food ingredient is not only made and sourced in the United States, but also hand collected daily from human-grade USDA inspected facilities. 90% of ingredients are sourced within 50 miles of the Illinois plant, and are used within 24 hours. Evanger’s is committed to its partnership with independent pet retailers. To find an Evanger’s retail location near you, visit www.evangersdogfood.com/stores. To learn more about why Evanger’s continues to be the choice of top handlers, breeders, and enthusiasts, visit www.evangersdogfood.com.
The close-out date of the warning letter from the FDA website is stated as February 28, 2013.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
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Sean Prichard (The Canine Fitness Trainer)
March 27, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Yes, yes… the company that stole $2 million dollars worth of electricity and gas and then tried to bribe witnesses to cover it up would NEVER mislabel their products.
Woofielover
March 27, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Sean Prichard – EXACTLY my thought! Buyer beware!
Pacific Sun
March 27, 2013 at 4:59 pm
It is noteworthy that as promised, TAPF posted the results of the FDA close out investigation.
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Certainly a very strong disclaimer being made by Evanger’s. So now, if it truly is everything they say Evanger’s should be about, and IS … #1 they shouldn’t have any problem returning the Pledge to Quality and Origin. Correct?? Have they been reminded lately that their response is still outstanding? Number #2 have they cleaned up their physical plant yard, as witnesses reported was so (alledgedly) in disrepair? Those would be two details going along way towards repairing their reputation.
Ellie
March 27, 2013 at 6:16 pm
I don’t know about the electricity but it would not be the first tine a government agency has made unfounded charges and ruined a business or even private individuals lives.
Lesliek
March 27, 2013 at 8:03 pm
While I certainly believe there are instances of unfounded charges defaming a company, I have personal reasons to doubt the integrity of this 1 ! Maybe the charge of not finding the right protein source was false, but how many other charges against them were not ? I have a dead dog and spent over $15,000 on his medical care after IMO eating their food made him sick. When I asked for testing of the food and a refund , I got slandered all over the internet, no answers and unordered food shipped to me. I did eventually almost 2 years later receive a refund which I donated to charity. Use this companies food at your own risk, it was too expensive for me !
Mollie Morrissette
March 27, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Talk about tacky timing. Have they no shame? Joel Sher just got busted (as in County jail) for offering $5,000 to a witness in exchange for changing testimony in a case from 2010 where he (and his wife, Holly) are accused of ordering their employees to divert nearly $2 million worth gas and power lines to their Evanger’s plant? Don’t you think if you were facing a Class 1 felony, subornation of perjury, bribery and communicating with a witness, in addition to the original charge of felony theft and money laundering – that you would try to keep a low profile? Tacky, very tacky.
Marie
May 9, 2013 at 1:26 am
Just found out from UC DAVIS today the Evanger’s Grain Free Rabbit contains Chicken Liver. My dog is allergic to Chicken! Thanks Evangers!!
Pacific Sun
May 9, 2013 at 11:28 am
Chicken is NOT listed as an ingredient in either the wet or dry version according to the website.
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How did UC Davis test for it? Through DNA sampling? Because, if I’m not mistaken, Evangers got in trouble once before for mislabeling a dog food formula. It was either an omission or a substitution mistake. This is one of the few things a PF company can actually be charged with! So have you pursued it with the FDA? Don’t stop with the company, they’ll just give you the run around and pretend it didn’t happen.
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When an ingredient is included in a food as undeclared, it can lead to a life threatening condition. At one point, one of my dogs couldn’t eat chicken. The condition is more than simply an “allergy” meaning that some dogs lack an enzyme for metabolizing chicken in any form. The symptoms manifest in extreme runny stools, creating the danger of dehydrating an animal, as well as vomiting. My dog would, within 20 minutes of eating chicken.
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Please pursue this and do NOT let Evangers get away with yet another VIOLATION. This can be serious for other pet owners who don’t have this information!
Barbara
October 22, 2020 at 12:58 pm
The best dog food ever!!!! I trust this company 100%!!!!
Sincerely,
Barbara