What a perfect description Tony Corbo of the consumer advocacy group Food and Water Watch provided; “the impotent FDA”. Five years, 2,200 reports of illness and deaths, no jerky treat recall.
This week the FDA issued a summary of their five year investigation into Chinese imported jerky treats. This new report states “approximately 2,200 reports of pet illnesses” have been received. Over the past year and a half, 360 dog deaths and one cat death has been linked to the jerky treats. As well, over the past year and a half, FDA has received reports of sick or dying pets related to the Chinese imported jerky treats from all 50 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces.
And no recall.
The big puzzler in this latest statement from FDA is in reference to their recent trip to China to investigate the manufacturing facilities of the suspect jerky treats. “The FDA did identify that one firm falsified receiving documents for glycerin, which is an ingredient in most jerky pet treats. As a result of the inspection, the Chinese authority, the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), informed the FDA that it seized products at that firm and suspended exports of its products until corrective actions were taken by the firm.”
The question is, if FDA found one firm “falsified receiving documents for glycerin” – why weren’t the jerky treats from that firm recalled?
Falsifying documents for glycerin is a huge issue, with a long past. In 2007, the FDA banned toothpaste from China after 51 deaths (in Panama) when it was discovered the glycerin in the toothpaste was actually diethylene glycol. Again, it remains a puzzler why the FDA did not – at the very least – recalled the treats already in the U.S. made by the manufacturer they found to have falsified documents.
The good news from this new FDA update, they have finally decided to look into the possibility of irradiation of the jerky treats as a problem. They are talking with “NASA experts to discuss this possibility further.”
Chinese imported pet food ingredients have been on pet food consumers radar since 2007 – the deadliest pet food recall in history. One would think that Chinese imported pet foods (jerky treats are considered food per import data) or pet food ingredients would have decreased since 2007. But no – that’s not the case. In fact, since 2007, imports of dog and cat foods or dog and cat food ingredients from China into the U.S. has increased by 30 million pounds!
Question: Why are millions and millions more pet treats and pet food ingredients being purchased from/imported from China?
My Opinion: Because it’s cheap. I don’t want to hear another pet food company tell me “China is the only source.” I don’t believe it for one moment. What I do believe is China is the only cheap source.
Question: Why hasn’t one national retailer had an ounce of integrity and decided to pull the jerky treats?
My Opinion: There is absolutely no excuse. Tony Corbo’s description of FDA fits well here for retailers – impotent.
Question: Why hasn’t one of the manufacturers/importers of these jerky treats had the integrity to pull the products from store shelves themselves – out of precaution?
My Opinion: AAFCO has no definition for precaution or integrity. (Sarcasm.)
For every product you give your pet, take the time to learn if ANY ingredient is sourced from China. Imported from China pet foods, treats, and pet food ingredients have a long and risky history; don’t risk your pet’s life.
To read more on the jerky treat problem…
Click Here to read JoNel Aleccia of NBC News latest story.
Click Here to read Food and Water Watch request 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
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
Are you subscribed to Truth About Pet Food Newsletter? Click Here to subscribe
Follow Truth about Pet Food on Twitter
Become a Fan of Truth about Pet Food, Dinner PAWsible, Buyer Beware on Facebook
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
