FDA Seizure at Petco

[sundial]

For our fellow pet owners:

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.



http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01854.html

[DrBee]

Lovely, I just bought dog and catfood there yesterday. Thanks for the info!

[Zen]

rodents and birds?
That doesn't sound too bad, that really doesn't give complete info.

[surgtech1956]

The PETCO here in my area closed down a few months ago. I've been buying from PETSMART.

[sundial]

rodents and birds?
That doesn't sound too bad, that really doesn't give complete info.

If ya ever have to be treated for histoplasmosis, you'll think twice about being around bird poop.

[Zen]

That's what I meant, it doesn't give details.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Another article said there were rodents and birds living and rat and bird feces surrounding the bins where the pet food was stored. Don't need much more detail than that I guess.

[snapdragen]

Sure glad I've switched to Pet Food Express!

[Zen]

My dogs only eat Popeye's chicken.
Deep frying kills anything.

[bmccasland]

rodents and birds?
<snip>

Maybe they need some barn cats?

Of course the Health Dept would have fun with the thought of the sparrows that manage to sneak into my local grocery store.

[Chicken Little]

There are a handful of Martins that have learned to use the automatic doors at our local Home Depot. They flutter on the sensor until the door opens, fly in, attend to their nests, dive bomb the seed supply, and go on their merry way. Seems fair, they tore down a large tree lot to build the store....

[lph]

I find it pretty amusing that it's animals doing the smart thing and finding not only food, but pet food!

Yeah, I know they carry diseases, it's just a little funny to see the culture/wild schism here.

[Andrea]

Would it be safe to assume that if the bags are intact/sealed that the food inside wasn't tainted by those conditions?

[sundial]

Yes--to an extant. The outside of the bag is contaminated. If there are microscopic tears in the bag or container, it will give the bacteria a chance to embed in the bag or food. When you open the bag and proceed to come into contact with the food, you have the opportunity to contaminate the food unless you wash your hands first or clean the outside of the container or bag with a disinfectant.

[Brandi]

I don't buy my food from them, but I did just buy toys from them. I buy my food from a small town business here in our county. Besides they don't carry my food. I did almost buy some canned food from them though. Iam glad I didn't.