Pet Food Recall
Stay informed about recalls on pet food
There are few words that inspire fear in the hearts of pet owners everywhere more than “pet food recall.” Recently, various recalls have been in the news after hundreds or even thousands of pets died due to contaminated pet food. Each public recall makes us wonder if the food we feed our pets is truly safe. What is being done to protect pet food supplies and where can you find a pet food recall list to make sure the food you give your pet is safe?
The best place to find out about a recall of pet food is at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website – all recalls are listed there whether they pose a risk to the public or not. By visiting the FDA site, you can find out what specific products are being recalled and why. Past reasons for pet food recalls include risk of salmonella and renal or kidney failure in pets.
FDA Pet Food Recall Procedure
The FDA pet food recall procedure is the same one used for recalls on products for human consumption. The recall process includes:
- Notification. The FDA is either alerted about problem products by the manufacturer, through facility inspections, through adverse event reports or through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Alert the public. The FDA posts regular website updates about recalls. All recalls appear in weekly enforcement reports. The media is also informed if there is a serious risk to the public.
- Process review. The FDA reviews the corrective actions of a company and determines when the recall is complete.
Recent Pet Food Recalls
Recent pet food recalls include:
- Peanut Corporation of America recall – January 2009
- Mars Petcare U.S. dry pet food recall – September 2008
- Menu Foods pet food recall – March 2007
- Iams pet food recall – March 2007
Pet Food Recall Consequences
There is little that can be done for those who purchased products that were later found to be contaminated. Investigations where wrong-doing is found at the supplier level will often lead to numerous lawsuits or even plant closures. Pet loss lawsuits tend to drag on for years and set the price for the loss of a pet entirely on market value rather than the emotional cost; pet owners often feel there is no justice for their tragic loss.
To help protect yourself and your pet, be selective about what pet foods you buy, where they are manufactured and their main ingredients. Always wash your hands after handling any pet food, and visit the FDA site periodically to keep up to date.
