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FDA
releases study on pet food
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| 03/12/2002 | |||
| (KMOV) -- Ever since Jamie Allman revealed secret government tests on dog foods were being conducted for the presence of a drug used to kill animals, you've been waiting for word on what the government found. After repeated pressure from News 4, the Food and Drug Administration has finally released whether the drug pentobarbital is in some foods your dog eats. | |||
| The FDA is announcing that almost half of all the dog food tested for pentobarbital showed the presence of what is described as traces of the drug. The FDA insists dogs are not in danger by eating food with traces of pentobarbital in it. | |||
| "While it may not have an immediate effect, there really is no telling what will happen over time, which could cause some liver complications," says Dr. Jay King, a veterinarian. | |||
| The FDA survey, which was conducted by the Center for Veterinary Medicine, included popular brands chosen at random. Out of four samples of Ken l Ration tested, all of them showed traces of pentobarbital. Out of 11 samples of Ol' Roy dog food tested, six showed traces of pentobarbital. Out of seven samples of Heinz dog food tested, three showed traces of pentobarbital. And out of 24 samples of Purina products, three showed traces of pentobarbital. | |||
| The FDA says the pentobarbital likely came from disabled or diseased horses and cows, which are euthanized and rendered and allowed to be used in pet food products. Despite suspicions that pentobarbital may come from euthanized dogs and cats from animal shelters, the FDA says DNA tests on the products show no sign of dogs or cats. The FDA also says just because the samples showed traces of pentobarbital in 2000, does not mean the products currently on the shelves contain pentobarbital. | |||
| Despite all the qualifiers, some veterinarians say they're still concerned about the presence of pentobarbital in some pet food. | |||
| Dr Teresa Garden "None of us want to think that our animals are eating these foods with these chemicals in them even as a small or trace amount. So, yes, it is a source of concern," says Dr. Teresa Garden of the Humane Society. | |||
| The FDA refuses to be interviewed about the tests, agreeing only to answer written questions. When asked whether it will continue to allow pentobarbital to be in dog foods, the office says it "does not intend to take any further actions." | |||
| Dog food makers won't be forced to monitor pentobarbital levels and won't be forced to notify consumers of the presence of pentobarbital. The FDA says, "Manufacturers must list ingredients they deliberately add to pet food. Because pentobarbital is not deliberately added, it does not need to be listed on the label." | |||
| All the pet food companies referred all questions to the Pet Food Institute, which also declines to be interviewed. In a faxed statement, the institute writes, "Consumers purchasing dog food made by Pet Food Institute members can feel confident they are feeding their pet a safe and nutritious food." | |||
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Ladies!
Gentlemen!
Let Us Wake Up ! We Have Been Sleeping Too Long ! "Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed, that's all who ever have." Margaret Mead |
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