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Pet Food Regulations

We had Significant Success in Washington DC

With a great deal of work to go, I am thrilled to report to consumers that our trip to Washington DC was not in vain. We achieved a significant agreement from FDA to work with consumer advocates for transparency in pet food. Is it feed or is it food? Hopefully soon the pet food label will tell you.

With a great deal of work to go, I am thrilled to report to consumers that our trip to Washington DC was not in vain. We achieved a significant agreement from FDA to work with consumer advocates for transparency in pet food. Is it feed or is it food? Hopefully soon the pet food label will tell you.

Our team was…Dr. Karen Becker, a pet owning lawyer, and myself. None of us had gone to Senator’s offices before, the three of us had never before worked together. We had a monumental task in front of us. The three of us were ‘all in’. We were focused, we each brought different things to the table. Though it is sort of bragging…I have to say – we were an awesome team.

Day 1 – June 21, 2017 – was meetings with Senator Richard Durbin’s (Illinois) office at 11 AM, meetings with Senator Pat Roberts (Kansas) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (Michigan) office – both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee – at 2 PM.

We weren’t nervous, but we felt the pressure of what was at stake. Walking down the hallways of the Hart Senate Office Building to Senator Durbin’s office was exciting. We arrive in Senator Durbin’s office and wait for our meeting. Soon we were escorted to a conference room where we met with Kevin Lefeber, Senator Durbin’s legislative advisor. We shared consumers concerns of pet food – starting with laws written (in part) by Senator Durbin back in 2007 (after the 2007 recall) requiring FDA to update pet food ingredients and labels. We told him FDA is almost 8 years past deadline. We explained that most pet foods are ‘feed’ and contain feed quality ingredients but marketed to consumers as food. We explained that laws within the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act are openly ignored by FDA and each State Department of Agriculture. And we explained how consumers are left in the dark – not knowing exactly what they are buying because pet food ingredient definitions are corporately owned, not public information as in human food.

We all added to the conversation and we were flawless (sorry to brag again, but I’m just that proud of us). But…there was no solution offered. Sincere concern, but no solution.

Next meeting went about the same. We met with Dr. Chelsey Shivley DVM – an AVMA fellow for Senator Debbie Stabenow and Chelsie Keys on Senator Pat Roberts staff. Again we were escorted into a conference room and again your team did an awesome job addressing the serious issues pet food consumers face. Awesome minus one moment when my frustration for a resolve caused me to go off focus for a bit…but…the rest of the team got me back on track quickly. Dr. Chelsey Shivley and Chelsie Keys took pages and pages of notes – they listened attentively. During this meeting we specifically asked for a resolve – we asked for pet foods that do not meet the requirements of food law to be labeled as feed. Their suggestion was to start this discussion with FDA and to have more consumers write their Representatives in Congress about these same issues.

We left feeling a bit deflated but we quickly realized this is how the ‘system’ works. One step at a time. Our first step was to make these three significant members of Congress aware of the problems pet food consumers face – that was a success. We made them very aware of the problems.

The next day – June 22 – was our meeting with FDA. We arrived at the offices of FDA, but it was not the FDA headquarters as you see in pictures. It was in an office park, 3rd floor. Again we were taken to a conference room and were promptly joined by Dr. Dan McChesney, Charlotte Conway, LeeAnne Palmer, and a couple more FDA representatives. Arrangements had been made in advance for Nikki – the owner of the pug Talula that died from eating pentobarbital contaminated Evanger’s Pet Food – to be on a conference call for the meeting. Nikki was the foundation for our request that things must change – no more pets should die.

Nikki spoke to FDA from the heart, a recently broken heart due to her loss of Talula. FDA was a bit uncomfortable. FDA asked us ‘What are you here for?’ We told them we are tired, consumers are tired. We told them we are tired and completely worn out worrying about the safety of pet food. We told them we cannot fathom how FDA can enable industry to profit from selling adulterated, illegal pet foods – misleading consumers. We told them we want transparency in pet food, we want law enforced.

And then FDA said…Ok, what do you suggest? Our suggestion was label all pet foods that do not meet food law as “feed” – “dog feed” and “cat feed”. Lots of details have to be worked out, but…FDA found this suggestion acceptable. Dr. Karen Becker spoke up and asked if it would be possible for a grading system for pet food – similar to the grading system USDA uses for meat. (Meat suppliers have the option to pay an additional fee to USDA to ‘grade’ meat as Prime, or Choice, or Grade A. The higher grade meats are in turn sold as a more expensive, higher quality product.) Again, lots of details have to be worked out but…FDA was very open to this suggestion as well.

We then asked about a time frame – when could the feed/food system be implemented, when could a pet food grading system be implemented? At this we received some push back. FDA would not commit to a time frame, and this we could not accept. We pushed again asking FDA how these changes in pet food could be moved along quickly. They suggested it go through the AAFCO process and agreed to introduce the idea to AAFCO at the next meeting in August (less than 2 months from now).

This is significant – we have law to back us up – we have law to push through these changes. We have the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act behind us to facilitate this change in pet food. Current law states “In prescribing a definition and standard of identity for any food or class of food in which optional ingredients are permitted, the Secretary shall, for the purpose of promoting honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers, designate the optional ingredients which shall be named on the label.” 

Feed grade pet food ingredients ARE “optional ingredients” permitted by each State and FDA. Most certainly, “for the purpose of promoting honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers” these optional ‘feed’ ingredients should be named on the pet food label. Law is on our side.

FDA asked us to put our requests in writing and submit them to the agency as an addendum to the Citizen Petition that we filed with FDA in October 2016. Needless to say, we have much work to do in a short time frame. Your team will complete the write ups and submit to FDA within the next couple of weeks.

There is much work ahead of us, including assistance from consumers in the near future to get this pushed through. I suspect some in pet food will be in support of these transparency changes, but I suspect the most powerful, most influential pet food manufacturers will be adamantly opposed. If we receive any push back from industry – consumers will know exactly which pet food companies are not willing to be transparent with consumers, which pet food companies have secrets to hide.

Again – law is on our side, we are ready for whatever opposition they put in front of us. And also remember, FDA felt these were good changes – we will continue to work with FDA to keep this on track.

We – all pet food consumers and all pet food advocates – succeeded in Washington DC. Your voices were heard. More news on the progress of this will be shared soon. Get ready to write emails, sign a petition, and/or make a few phone calls. Together we will achieve improved transparency in pet food – we’ve finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel!

A big thank you to Senator’s Durbin, Roberts and Stabenow for your time and your attention to the plight of pet food consumers. A big thank you to FDA for your willingness to meet with us and your willingness to work on true transparency for pet food consumers.

And a big, big, big thank you to Dr. Karen Becker and our ‘lawyer friend’. You were both awesome! I’m so proud of us all.

Go ahead…imagine it. Imagine walking into a pet food store and seeing clearly on the label pet feed or pet food. It IS going to happen. Consumers deserve to know what they are buying. Using Federal law we are going to make that happen. Soon.

 

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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45 Comments

45 Comments

  1. Duncan

    June 25, 2017 at 8:21 am

    Well done! Thanks to all your hard work and effort, we may see a positive change!

  2. Pacific Sun

    June 25, 2017 at 8:25 am

    10 years down the pike, from our first conversations about bogus kibble, really …. your stance, your belief, your understanding, has never been any different. But PROVING that understanding has been a different challenge. From your Washington DC encounter (and results) you’ve now legitimized what you’ve always understood. We are so proud of you! Using every piece of information and facts discovered along the way; using it so strategically and purposefully. Agencies and Legislators have come to realize that you’re discussing facts, not just the wish-list of “emotional crybabies.” Sadly it took the death of a beloved pet, and the ensuing discovery process to make a solid point. But I am confident that the sacrifice will not be wasted.

    There is no other Advocate for Consumer’s rights in this area of the PFI, than yourself Susan. People owe the best welfare of their pets, all to you. Thank you!

    (Your article was written just perfectly by the way. So ON point!!)

  3. Annie

    June 25, 2017 at 8:48 am

    Thank you all for this. What Pacific Sun said! I could not put it more eloquently.

  4. landsharkinnc

    June 25, 2017 at 9:38 am

    AWESOME! Congratulations and know that we are ALL here to put our names and voices where they are needed — just let us know when, where, how and we’ll be there for you! If not in ‘body’, certainly in spirit!

  5. Mervett Hedges

    June 25, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Such wonderful and exciting news. Thank you…..Thank you….Thank you!!!!!!!

  6. Debie Olivier

    June 25, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Awesome! You guys are just awesome! Thank you all.

  7. Patricia Gierut

    June 25, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Thank You!!

  8. Diane beaglemom

    June 25, 2017 at 9:58 am

    Amazing- so excited at the possibility of finally clearing knowing the truth of what is in the food and holding these companies accountable. Congratulations and thank you and your team for your diligence and hard work. You are appreciated!

  9. jan blanco

    June 25, 2017 at 10:18 am

    just freakin’ AWESOME!!! I am thrilled for us all!

  10. Mary Lynn Bartram

    June 25, 2017 at 10:19 am

    What a fight ! You have put together an awesome team there. This is very encouraging news. Very good suggestions for classifying between feed and food and grade. This would be an awesome start to get this on labels and hopefully start consumers asking what is the difference. So many people have no idea the garbage they are feeding their animals and it needs to change. Thank you for all you do and keep us updated as to what we can do to support and help you in this fight .

  11. jeroice

    June 25, 2017 at 10:19 am

    a blessing..great news

  12. lesliek

    June 25, 2017 at 10:31 am

    Great work !!!

  13. Sandy Murphey -Northern CA, USA

    June 25, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Thank you Susan, and your wonderful team in fighting for transparency, with the people who can make a difference with the pet food manufacturers. There’s going to be resistance, and delay tactics, but the first important step has been taken for all pet food consumers to be aware of, if they hadn’t been before. I’ve posted on my social media accounts, and hope everyone does.

  14. Sherrill

    June 25, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Way to Go. This is good news. We had Significant Success in Washington DC. Thank You for all you do to help keep our furry friends safe and healthy.

  15. Penny Martin

    June 25, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Thank you so much! There is hope!!

  16. Michelle

    June 25, 2017 at 11:25 am

    THANK YOU! THANK YOU ALL! You guys are AWESOME!

  17. judith zimbalist

    June 25, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Thank you for all your hard work and devotion to the cause. We support and respect you.

  18. Sandra Short

    June 25, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    Thank you so much, Susan!!! What a great team the 3 of you. There really is hope.

  19. JeffW

    June 25, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    I read your discussion with interest and the quest is surely a sound one. However, its concerning that there were no Republican senators on your meeting list. Why?
    Surely you must understand that you will need allies from the party in power, otherwise tour quest will become folly. If you made these choices conciousely, then shame on you…if not, I’d be pleased to attempt to arrange the proper contacts.

    • Susan Thixton

      June 25, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Senator Pat Roberts is Republican (Kansas). All members of the Senate Agriculture Committee – both Democrat and Republican were asked if they would meet with us. Only Senator Roberts office and Senator Stabenow office responded. Senator Durbin has for years been the lone voice standing up for pet food consumers. We felt – and still do – this is a bipartisan issue. No need for ‘shame’.

    • Susan Hayes

      June 25, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      “Shame” is on *you*, JeffW, for not knowing or, better yet — finding out — that Roberts is a Republican before you wrote this! Keep the politics out of these discussions!

  20. Anita

    June 25, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    Amazing progress. I will be ready to help with letters, emails, and phone calls.

  21. Batzion

    June 25, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    Susan, you have the fearlessness and tenacity of Joan of Arc, and the same goes for Dr. Becker and your “lawyer friend.” Ready to help when needed. Thank you so much! You know, this Washington journey you’re on would make a great documentary. So proud of you.

  22. Suzanne - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    June 25, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    Congratulations, and a big THANK YOU, Susan and Dr. Becker, on behalf of my pets and future pets, for your continued optimism and tenacity in trying to get transparency and honesty in the pet food industry. I have just started making meals for my cats as I feel it’s going to be a long time before I can trust even the high-quality pet foods that I usually buy to have human grade ingredients. However, with your advocacy, I know that there will come a day, where human grade ingredients is the norm and not the exception.

  23. Nancy W

    June 25, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Yay!!! You rock!!! Thank you all.

  24. Linda Blakely, Westchester, NY

    June 25, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    So exciting! Thanks to you and your absolute determination to stand by all pet owners and pets, we can finally imagine the day coming when this will be resolved. Thank you, thank you, thank you to your and your awesome team.

  25. Suzanne

    June 25, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    What great news! You all are awesome! Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

  26. Cynthia

    June 25, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    Thank you!

  27. Jan

    June 25, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    That is superb news! Thank you ever so much for fighting for us. Your efforts are appreciated more than words can say.

  28. Teresa

    June 25, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    God bless you all! YOU did it! This is a HUGE milestone and YOU have worked so hard for all.of us. Have tears of relief in my eyes that FINALLY our vices have been heard and it is ALL because of your hard work, Susan and the determination not to be bullies into silence.
    YOU and Dr. Becker and your lawyer are angels. Finally we can know what our angels are eating to be able.to make better choices to ensure they remain healthy! Thank you sounds so small, so GOD BLESS YOU!

  29. Jeri

    June 25, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    So proud of your efforts and success, Susan! It’s often thankless work, I know. You have to often feel like you are in the Lion’s Den, but this is a ray of light so bask in it! I love Dr. Becker and her relentless efforts to improve health care for our pets. May the Lord bless and richly reward your efforts. This is exciting news indeed!

  30. Mirsades

    June 25, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    This is beyond wonderful news. I am excited that finally, we will know the true ingredients in the pet “food?” that we are feeding our beloved pets. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for all you have done. Things have progressed this far because of your determination and the love you have for the “ones that cannot speak,” our precious furbabies. So thank you a hundred times for everything you are doing.

  31. Susan Hayes

    June 25, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    Thank you so much, Susan, for your persistence and dedication! You are so appreciated!

  32. Deziz World

    June 25, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    This IS wonderful news and we’re for sure celebrating. The early deaths of so many that came before us may very well have been due to bad feed. Y, I was eating what is considered to be top notch pet food when I got deathly ill. Thankfully, we found your site, and my human researched like crazy till she found the best option available since I’m not quite ready for a plate of raw. Thank you for all you do for all of us, human and animal.

    Dezi and Raena with our mommy A

  33. Lisa Marie

    June 25, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    Wow, that’s one very giant leap forward – bravo to you and the team, excellent news! 🙂

  34. Bob Schultz

    June 26, 2017 at 12:25 am

    Thanks so much for your dedication and hard work. Please keep us posted regarding who and when to contact. I will be emailing Senator Durbin to thank him for meeting with you.

  35. Aimee

    June 26, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  36. prints

    June 26, 2017 at 9:37 am

    This article is off topic but important.
    Illegal GE Bacteria Detected in An Animal Feed Supplement

    https://www.independentsciencenews.org/news/illegal-ge-bacteria-detected-in-animal-supplement/#more-2237

    • Batzion

      June 26, 2017 at 11:06 am

      Once again, it’s China. Thanks for posting this article.

  37. Trish

    June 26, 2017 at 9:55 am

    You are AWESOME! I stand and applaud all of you for your concern, effort and action!!

  38. Tim

    June 27, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    Thank you, Susan and team! This is an excellent step forward. Please keep up the great work!

  39. Chris Javier

    June 27, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Thank for your work and efforts in this. Really good work in D.C. with your team also, let us know what you need us to do as those requests arrive, we’re here to support you in any way we can.

  40. Rob Capel

    June 27, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    BRAVO!! Susan. Years of hard work and toil are starting to pay off. Keep the energy level up. I live in Canada so won’t have a direct effect but what happens in the U.S. eventually gets here.

  41. Mary Sue

    June 30, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    Thanks to the team.

  42. Paula

    July 21, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Thank you to all for the wonderful work you all do. We love our pets and we all want to feed them quality food, we just don’t know how to begin? It seems like a never ending battle against all these “big” companies. I can’t understand how these companies get away with these horrible products and our won food sources are at jeopardy also. What people won’t do for money? Anyway, thank you again for taking the time and fighting for us and our pets.

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