Pet Food Poisoning: One Year Later

New FDA Regulations in Place

The massive recall of tainted pet food last March was a scary time for pet owners.

Thousands of dogs and cats were poisoned by contaminated food.

Some pets became ill with kidney failure, and many died after eating certain brands of canned food tainted with melamine, a substance used as a fertilizer in Asia and in the production of plastics.

The outbreak caused Congress to make changes in legislation to help protect our pets. Congress held hearings last April to determine how best to ensure another contamination does not happen.

Senator Richard Durbin (Illinois) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut) introduced the Human and Pet Food Safety Act. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) helped draft it and the legislation was amended to the FDA act.

New FDA Regulations

Congress passed legislation in September — the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act — requiring the Food and Drug Administration to set ingredient and processing standards for pet food. President Bush signed it into law.

Not only does the law set new standards, it also establishes an early-warning system for pet food in case of a contamination.

The FDA must improve communication during recalls and post information on their Web site along with a user-friendly, searchable recall list. A reportable food registry from which the FDA can issue alerts on food harmful to either humans or animals must also be set up, and the FDA must provide more detailed reports to Congress on food inspections.

The FDA must also update food labeling policies.

The new law mandates that state and federal authorities must work together to improve food safety programs. This means food companies are required to report contaminations and make records available as quickly as possible so the tainted food can be traced immediately.   

Failure to comply will result in penalties for the company.

How the Law Helps

If a pet food contamination is detected, alerts and recalls will be faster, as will notifications throughout the entire supply chain. The affected pet food will be tracked and removed more quickly.

AVMA President Gregory S. Hammer said in order to fully protect both pet and human food supplies, Congress needs to pass and fully fund the Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act to help address the shortage of veterinarians in public health practice.

Congress also needs to provide the necessary funding so the FDA can meet its responsibilities.

Safe Food for Our Pets

The new regulations serve notice to manufacturers to closely monitor what is going into pet food. And if something is contaminated, the public should be alerted as soon as possible.

If you suspect your dog or cat has become seriously ill — vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy — from eating his pet food, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can rule out other causes of your pet’s condition.

You can report your pet’s illness to the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for your state. Visit their Web site for contact information.

Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone

Email this article to a friend or share it via your favorite social network.