Lethal Pet Food Intentionally Tainted?

In a remarkable turn of events, it seems that Chinese manufacturers may have intentionally added a lethal chemical to a protein-powder ingredient intended for pet foods, said FDA investigators. Melamine, an ingredient in plastics and fertilizers that could lead to kidney failure in animals and people, contaminated rice protein and wheat gluten included in pet foods made in Canada and the United States. This chemical compound also has been added to corn gluten destined for pet food sold in South Africa, the FDA added.

Stephen Sundlof, chief veterinarian for the Food and Drug Administration, said melamine, which has turned up in more than 100 brands of cat and dog food, may have been used to falsely boost the apparent nutritional content of rice protein.

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FDA officials said they were investigating whether the melamine might have been added intentionally as a way to charge more for an inferior product. The fact that three protein sources from China contained melamine adds credibility to that theory, Sundlof said.

But the FDA added that it would not be able to check its theory without approval from the Chinese government to inspect the factories where the rice protein and wheat gluten were produced. The FDA said it "fully expects" to get such cooperation.

Despite this reprehensible Chinese behavior, the FDA pointed out that North American manufacturers also share some responsibility for ensuring the safety of their pet foods.

"There is an industry responsibility to know who their suppliers are and to exercise some diligence," said Michael Rogers, head of the FDA's division of field investigations.

Tacitly agreeing with the FDA's assessment, Pacoima-based Natural Balance Pet Foods stated that they would be wary of using any Chinese-made ingredients. As well they should.

"I can't imagine we'll be using Chinese ingredients again. If we do, clearly it will be with much scrutiny," said spokesman Daniel Bernstein. The company voluntarily recalled four types of dog food containing rice protein this past week.

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This has been a scary eye opener! Now I'm reading dog food labels too - and what are wheat middlings? Our local tv station had a bit on home cooked doggie food but is that a healthful food for dogs? And what about the by-products in these manufactured pet foods? Years ago on the farm our dead stock was taken to Kal Can,chopped by axe into halfs and thrown onto conveyor belt and added to the mix,then cooked.Are these companies saving that much by buying products abroad? I'm loosing alot of trust now-a-days...

By Diane in Ohio (not verified) on 20 Apr 2007 #permalink

I have been cooking my dog's food for the last 10 years. I started because my own research taught me that commercial dog food is simply not good for dogs.
My vets over the years have always commented that my dogs are so healthy and fit. They (the dogs) are twelve and thirteen years old now and going strong.
I cook up a big pot of ground turkey, brown rice and the weeks veggie and fruit trimmings that I have saved in the freezer. Sometimes I add potato and carrots. Anything except onions, which over time can cause aenemia.
It takes a few minutes to throw together, a couple hours to cook, and takes storage in the fridge. But I figure it's not much considering they devote their whole lives to me.
Lex

"There is an industry responsibility to know who their suppliers are and to exercise some diligence," said Michael Rogers, head of the FDA's division of field investigations.

Translation: "Look over there! Scary industry bad! Please completely ignore the fact that we failed at our only job in the entire world because the Bush Administration and recently-ousted Republican Congress didn't give a shit about anything that wasn't War or Sex!"