Pet food recall: Hearing is over
By Christie Keith
April 12, 2007
- If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
- If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page (includes links to recalled foods).
- If you’d like suggestions on what to feed, click here.
- If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.
- If you want to know what you can do, please read our call to action
- If you want to read all our recall-related blog posts, click here.
(Editing to correct time references.)
The Senate hearing on the pet food recall was held earlier today, and the Webcast is here — one reader gave this as an alternate link: webcast. I liveblogged it on my personal blog, and so did itchmo. Video clips and more commentary at Spocko’s Brain.
Sen. Durbin opened with remarks that bloggers and Web sites — the volunteer efforts of pet owners — are spreading more information, and better information, than our government. If sites like VIN and petconnection.com can do this, he said, so can the government.
Go to the latest blog post | Go to the PetConnection home page
|Technorati Tags: pet food recall, dogs, cats,veterinarian, veterinary
TO the Staff at PET CONNECTION all your hard work in the last 4 weeks is paying off. THANK YOU. SEN. Durbin Remark was so true.
Comment by MARY ANN — April 12, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
I’m listening to the hearing live now. I have to say that petconnection.com is the ONLY site that I can feel comfortable using in helping me sort out the pet food issues. Thank goodness for this website.
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
I’m listening via web link. Thankfully Pet Connection is able to get the news out — the FDA just admitted you’re better at it than they are.
Comment by Margaret Bridge — April 12, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
OMG Sen Byrd is having some kind of breakdown right now..
Comment by Rescue Mom — April 12, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
I just found this on msnbc.com from the FDA:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18076803/
How very very sad. If there are more recalls, this could go on ad nauseum.
Comment by Meaghan — April 12, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Is Senator Byrd always like this - he is taking up valuable time!
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
i just want to say thank you for all of your hard work. if it weren’t for petconnection.com and howl911.com i wouldn’t be so well informed through all of this. i look forward to reading about the hearing later when i get home.
Comment by raven's mom — April 12, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
CHAIRNAN of the Appropriations committee? Thats scary
Comment by Rescue Mom — April 12, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Sen Byrd!!! Oh my GOD! I mean, bless his heart…but, seriously, Oh my GOD!
Comment by Eva — April 12, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Senator Byrd is just being a good ol’southern gentleman - he knows where he’s going…just a lil slow to get there (the “off the record” stuff is fascinating *l*) rather enjoying him *l*
Comment by GingerTom — April 12, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Yay for petconnection.com! You’re the best. Thanks for your huge efforts during this terrible nightmare. I really hope the hearings produce some positive changes for consumers and food safety.
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
Senator Byrd: it’s a movie.
Comment by Maureen — April 12, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
In the hearing, I heard still more recalls added today. What are those new recalls?
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Oh my lord. He honestly sounds like he’s senile. Please someone take his mike away.
Comment by Laura — April 12, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
Sen. Robert Byrd, Oh my Gosh is right!!!! How many others are in the position of running this country are beyond their capacity for important jobs they do?
Nothing personal, just reality speaking here.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
This man is unfit! This hearing is about the pet food recall and contamination and is not about him!
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
Is Senator Byrd senile? Running for re-election on 2012….. You have got to be kidding.
Comment by Sheila — April 12, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
FYI: If you go to the http://appropriations.senate.gov/ site and use their link (bottom right corner) to listen to the hearing, you should save the .rav file to your computer (right click on it & then ‘Save As’) because the direct link isn’t working correctly.
In fact, when you ‘Save As’, you need to change the file name from: “2007_04_12_Listen_to_the_April_12_Hearing_on_Pet_Food_Safety.ram.ram” to “2007_04_12_Listen_to_the_April_12_Hearing_on_Pet_Food_Safety.ram”
Comment by fern — April 12, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
I hope that Jon Stewart is a kind soul and doesn’t put clips of Sen. Byrd on The Daily Show tonight.
Comment by Maureen — April 12, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Hey if you have been in the Senate for 50 years then I think you can take up as much time as you want:)
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
A disgraceful, outrageous display of bureaucratic incompetance. Not a single reference or question has been raised regarding Cornell’s latest findings that there are other toxins involved.
A joke.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
That gentleman didn’t have to be there…just an old fella worried about his own dog….and he’s got people who take care of the rest. no harm done…
Comment by GingerTom — April 12, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
SENATOR ROBERT BYRD
Well, we know about his “Trouble.”
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
I stand corrected on my previous post - Ms. Kirk seems to be addressing the idea of tracking additional toxins.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Ms. Kirk is rockin’.
Comment by Laura — April 12, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
I was touched by Sen. Byrd’s many references to his dog and how she is a member of his family. I think it’s nice to see a human face in a Senate hearing!
Comment by slt — April 12, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
Whoops, I mean Ms Hodgkins (sp?)
And I’ll moderate my earlier praise. Didn’t like her insistence that the current regulations are strong enough. (Clearly not, dear.) But I did like her insistence on better and clearer labeling of exactly what’s in the stuff.
Comment by Laura — April 12, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Will this hearing be available to listen to this evening? I am at work right now and can’t listen.
Comment by Marilyn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
“Sen. Durbin asks if that’s an adequate inspection to protect the wholesomeness and safety of pet food products.
Sundlof says that they base it on risk. Focus on BSE. Limited resources. “In this case we didn’t inspect because we felt these companies were in compliance.” After recall they did inspect, and the plant in Emporia passed the inspection.”
Remember from the local newpaper from 3rd ? of April that Menu Food factory closed down first for 2 days, then for a week. No wonder it passes inspection.
Comment by Stefania — April 12, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Sen. Byrd would be touching if he were your great uncle. The Democrats should not allow him to be the head of the powerful Appropriations Committee. If his state’s voters continue to reelect him, that’s democracy; but to let him control one of the Senate’s most important committees is another thing entirely. In just today’s instance, this is too important a hearing for all our pets who have been sickened or died to let him absorb so much time when he is obviously incompetent to contribute meaningfully.
Comment by Maureen — April 12, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
The Pet Food Institute person is on now.
“He’s talking about how “Highly regulated this is.”
great, then what the hell happened?
Comment by spocko — April 12, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
I wonder what Mr. Ekedahl feeds his cat & dog.
Comment by elliott — April 12, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
The PFI guy is saying a lot of things I thought were UNTRUE! For example that ingredients that are used in pet foods are highly regulated and in some cases tested even more than ingredients for human foods due to the sensitivities of some pets. WHAAAA?!
Comment by slt — April 12, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Clearly he is not fit! He mentioned that he was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee three times which tells me that his memory isn’t that great. As I mentioned before he took up valuable time. We have been waiting for this committee meeting for a while now. This is too important to be wasted on his antics in pursuing the limelight. Even his 2 aides sitting behind him were smirking at him. Very sad. West Virginia please don’t re-elect this man. Let him retire.
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
It is not what is listed on the package as Mr. Ekedahl suggests that is the problem, it is what is NOT!
If Mr. Ekedahl actually believes Banfield’s revised stats on the fatalities (5 out of 230K) then he’s been consuming whatever Senator Byrd has.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Regulations my behind! If there WERE regulations and the appropriate controls this would never have happened. These need to be mandated!
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Just sent email to Senator Durbin asking if there will be a follow-up hearing after today. Please everyone do the same.
Comment by VJ — April 12, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Spin, spin, spin by Mr. Ekedahl of the Pet Food Institure (PFI). Only a small handful of pets affected he said. I think every one with two brain cells to rub togeather saw right through him.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
What some nut just said all the tainted food was off the shelf - so says the FDA - or so this person said just two minutes ago.
Don’t these people read the news?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18076803/
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Ms. Hodgkins suggests that in the absence of known prior toxins, testing in the future will continue to be ineffective. Testing food items apparently only BEGINS once a toxicosis is identified.
Thus, any ingredient in the future could be tainted without a previously used toxin and as a result, the same situation would occur as we have now - either in the human or pet food chains.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
DUANE EKEDAHL OF PET FOOD INSTITUTE
~ Says consumers still have confidence in the pet food manufacturer
~ Says that pet foods are highly regulated
~ Cited Banfield report of this week - 5 cats and 1 dog
~ New National Pet Food Commission neing formed [an oversight committee???]
~ Is convinced that foods are safe
This guy is clueless.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Yes, let’s remove pet food labels and send Mr. Ekedahl into the store to buy pet food. Wonder if he would give that food to his beloved dogs?
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18076803/
Bad food still on shelves - these people at the hearing don’t know what they are talking about.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Sen. Bennett can you at least try not to be a so pro big business especially when these businesses have failed us.
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
They must have pre-made answers - this is very strange to listen to.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
CALUDIA KIRK, DVM
What she is citing is HER own tsting protocol - not that of pet manufacturers.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Ekedahl is protecting his job. It is his business to lobby for the pet food industry and he will say anything regardless of how sick it is. You can see his letters looking for relaxed labeling etc. on the FDA website.
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
3 pet food recalls in 18 months but Mr. Ekedahl continues to assert pet food is safe. Astounding.
Comment by M — April 12, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Highly regulated - but not enforced. Who is the enforcer?
“Not effectively regulated.” That’s the truth.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
They can only test for what they have previously identified as toxin known hazards. This is a real eye-opener - downright scary!
“Highly regulated…” and yet, doesn’t work!
Maybe we need less regulation and more honesty, integrity, and competance amongst industry officials.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Longer and healthier lives - what about the rising cancer of dogs, even young dogs?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
And about the wheat gluten testing… from what it sounds like from reports coming out of Cornell’s lab, even a VISUAL inspection could have been a red flag for the shipment.
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
AAFCO regulates but it does not test and does not enforce.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
So sad, way too many people have sold their souls, instead of “wanting” to try and do the right things.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Did we REALLY expect anything good from this hearing? Once again, cow towing to big business. All I know is if pet food is already highly regulated then WHY are all of our pets getting sick and dying????????? Can’t the U.S. government do ANYTHING right????
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
Nutrional adequacy - what? The dogs have to live for 6 months on the food and not lose more than 15 pounds. The big test.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
The definition process - yes, they get away with spin - long term health - is not at question……
not really.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
Senator Durbin is right on the mark and bearing down.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
Yes he is. Good for him. He will go to heaven!
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I must say Sen. Durbin does convince me that he is trying to get to the bottom of this whole mess. At least he is trying.
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
Senator Durbin has my vote!
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Ekedahl says the system works!
You would think he would want to make sure this never happens again… if not for our pets, then for his own position protecting the industry. It’s as if he’d like to invite this problem to happen again and again. Shameful.
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
They have their facilities in certain states for a good reason. Protocal - does not mean diddly.
Fumble, fumble, oh we don’t need a cop at your (our) shoulders.
Menu’s pets died and they didn’t stop production. Gads, I’m gonna puke!
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Go Senator Durbin go!
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Everyone please email Senator Durbin thanking him and encourage new law.
I wish he lived in Colorado!
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
No, wheat gluten and Gluten is a problem.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
This is getting good now!
Comment by Kim — April 12, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
Mr. Ekedahl - Ex. Dir of the Pet Institute didn’t KNOW the timing sequence.
C’mon sir, move along. You’ve attended your last industry-financed conference.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Now we’re getting somewhere!
Comment by Lois C. — April 12, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Don’t tell me you don’t know the facts Ekedahl. Don’t tell me you don’t know the facts Ekedahl. Perjury is a serious crime.
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
DURBIN
You tell them!!! Put them on the defensive!
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Hi Linda,
……The point is that their foods are bad enough with the “approved” ingredients- the gluten grains, soy, corn and now dairy products…again. That last one is insane, after we took all dairy out 20 years ago and for good reason. The pets are being sickened by these “staple” but totally unnatural ingredients every single day, with or without rat bait or plastic contaminants. We don’t need to be looking for overtly offensive additives to explain the problems we are seeing, although it is painfully clear that we need to for the safety of our pets…and us.
They are supposed to list all ingredients in the food, starting with the most abundant. Whether some “secret”ingredients exist is unlikely, especially in the case of the bigger companies, buuuut….stranger things have happened. :(
I hope this helps,
I will post all the e-mail later.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Hope that the manufacturers clean their lines - cross contamination.
No one oversees this process. No requirement for clean out (other than medicated feeds.)
Right.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
My favorite quote so far “The marketplace HAS dealt with it and a lot of consumers aren’t going to buy menu pet foods”
Comment by Kim — April 12, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Kim,
Yes, stop buying their toxic waste junk dog food.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
That’s it!!!!!!!!!???????????
So where do pet owners go from here??
2 hours and it’s over!!!!
Comment by VJ — April 12, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Those creeps just didn’t want to answer the tough questions. The jerks.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
This country as a whole, has allowed bad behavior from everywhere to become the norm instead of shunning it. There are lapses in serious consequences to wrong doing.
Senator Durbin is grilling DUANE EKEDAHL OF PET FOOD INSTITUTE and doing a good job of not letting him get away with his song and dance on the timeline of the recall.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
The strongest message out of this - caveat emptor!
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
I ran out of disk space so the recording stopped. It would have been too large to download anyway.
Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 12, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
What happens now???
Comment by VJ — April 12, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
It is archived and you can play it anytime.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Let the marketplace decide? Okay, no one ever again buy anything made at a MENU plant and every can needs to - must - have on it what plant, company etc acutally produced it…..
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
It’s over? Did I miss the ending? Next steps?
Comment by Kim — April 12, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
This has not been a good day for pets
Comment by elliott — April 12, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
I say petconnection.com starts a campaign for Senator Durbin for President … Can he call a spade a spade, or WHAT? Or … B.S. by any other name is still B.S. That boy is GOOD! He’d probably arrange for Menu Foods’ products to be sent to Iraq … terrorist cells only …
Comment by Linda L. Tinker — April 12, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
Time to e-mail Senator Dubin and ask him what’s next.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
What happens now???
Comment by VJ
Now all pet owners need to contact their congressmen and not let the issue die. Let them know that we want action on regulation of the pet food industry.
Comment by Shirley — April 12, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
BRAVO Senator Durbin
Comment by Empress 60 — April 12, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
Even if Durbin sponsors a bill, he will need the support of congress to get it passed.
Comment by Shirley — April 12, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
While you are emailing and asking what is next , email reporters - this can be and SHOULD BE a big story, it could make a reporter famous.
There are plenty of political investigative reporters who could ride this to a Pulitzer prize and the great work done here on this blog would help.
The political connections alone are staggering.
And please do this now because one of our “favorites ” Nestle/Purina announced today that they are going to buy Gerber babyfood!
Does that sound like a good idea to you?
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 12, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Please send an e-mail to Senator Durbin and thank him. I asked him what would be his next step in this process.
Linda MS
http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm#contact
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
NUMBER OF KIDNEY-RELATED ILLNESSES AND DEATHS IS DECLINING IN RECENT DAYS - GROSS ERROR!!!!
Someone stated that the number of alleged kidney-related illnesses and deaths has started to decline, based on data in various databases.
This is assinine. What has happened is that consumers have lost all confidence in commercial food and are making pet food themselves [and therefore the pets are not getting ill]. Gee, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
Anyone seen this article just put out this afternoon by AP China?
http://tinyurl.com/2fg8xb
Comment by Carole — April 12, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
“While no investigation results have been announced, industry experts said they suspect the gluten might have been contaminated by having been processed or stored in machines or containers also used for melamine. Such anomalies show just how difficult it is to ensure purity, they said.”
Comment by Carole — April 12, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
Lynn,
I read that the best selling books at Amazon are now the ones on making your own pet food - and they are running out.
Did you hear that woman vet testify, that making your own pet food is not a good idea? I just about choked. Well, its okay now while the pet food is poisoning. ???????
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
Here’s a good article from Newsweek that I think has just published.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18078824/
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Duane didn’t do so hot, did he? Aafco guy was a buffoon. Sen. Byrd was harmless but took up valuable time that could have been used for additional important questioning such as looking for further contaminents and disposal of all the existing tainted product out there. It’s a start, I guess but I’ll still be cooking for a while longer.
Comment by elizabeth R — April 12, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Well if you can’t test for all the toxic waste, and China uses so much of it, then stop allowing it to enter our country and onto our dinner plates, for crying out loud! Don’t you all get it (not us bloggers) but the rule-makers, the government, FDA, CIA, whatever.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Once again, as pet owners or parents, we are responsible to ourselves, our pets and our families. No amount of taxpayer’s dollars or regulatory authority, agency, trade association, corporate entity, or congressional hearings, etc., can ensure our safety with a 100% guarantee. We heard today that the testing of toxins or hazards can only be performed on toxins that have been previously identified or associated with foodstuff contaminations. In other words, it is impossible to test for every known toxin on earth that could find its way into any food chain. This said, contamination could occur at any time and anywhere. The Great Plague did and yet, today, we continue to face the prospect of a pandemic avian flu.
I have no doubt that the Menu Foods recall will highlight the lapses in oversight in a system that is inherently weak and incestuous to begin with. Some good is bound to come from all this - but again, never 100% guarantees.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Would Mr. Ekedahl of the Pet Food Institure (PFI) eat that can of dog food the Senator was holding? He was annoying, protecting his butt.
Comment by Meghan — April 12, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Hurrah for Durbin!! That’s my Senator!! He may not be as cute as Obama, but he knows what he’s doing.
Comment by Andrea — April 12, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
Sen. Durbin did a good job of questioning the panelists at the end, but he was also responsible for the quality of the panel. One veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins had a different point of view than ALL the other industry and FDA panelists. It’s easy to do what he did to assuage those relatively few of us who were watching or listening to the hearing.
It’s not easy getting a truly grassroots organization together (think MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving) that has long range goals and organizes by state and congressional district. We have the issue and the passion, but it takes more than that. The Senator from WI should hear from Wisconsin pet owners, Durbin from IL pet owners, etc. State officials should hear from their voters/pet owners. Otherwise, the poster’s question, “What happens now?” will go unanswered.
Comment by Maureen — April 12, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Senator Durbin - very impressive - he’s up to speed that’s for sure. And as to the rest of the dummies, well how transparent can you get!
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
and yuck! I don’t like the idea of Ekedahl et al having anything to do with a ‘Commission’. He is not about safety… he’s about money.
http://www.pr-inside.com/new-n.....r92269.htm
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
We have power with our spending dollars.
Put your money in what you believe in.
If their sales go down, it will send a BIG message to corporate pet food retailers. Either shape up, or ship out! We’re not listening anymore to your slick ads, pretty packaging, and lies.
Did anyone notice today that Nestle is buying out Gerber? Now that sounds like trouble!!!
They can’t even feed our pets correctly…and now they want to feed our children!
Lord help us…
Comment by Marcy — April 12, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
My reply to Sen Durbin on his website.
Thank you for your efforts to this tragedy regarding the pet food recall.
I am shocked about what I have learned about the pet food industry. There is good money to be made with a good product, so it is not necessary to shun regulations or just good practices. However, the industry has chosen to do so.
I no longer trust “them” and will make my own pet food based on good research to the best of my ability.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
The woman Vet- Claudia Kirk- she is a shill for the pet food industry and that is ALL she is, bought and paid for just like Banfield!
When I saw that she was listed as a witness I knew the deck was stacked.
Durbin called them on some stuff but he needs to know that he was lied to and we need to know what next steps can be taken.
I have written letters to Durbin thanking him, asking more to be done, and to other members of the committee.
Please thank Durbin too.
And while you are doing that , take what you have learned here and give it to a reporter.
There are political investigative reporters who need to know this information.
There are plenty of political connections in the story.
They can keep this story from dying.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 12, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
This snippet pertinent to the recent testimony. Full article available at:
http://leda.law.harvard.edu/le.....ick06.html
>
Comment by Jay — April 12, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
No matter what anyone says Sen. Byrd showed honest emotion as a pet owner and lover.
It became obvious that AAFCO with its one employee and a few voluntary committees is just a front and puppet of the pet food manufacturers. Its “standards label” is worthless.
As for you know who, what a piece of work! Must be nice to get paid big, big $$$, be able to wear $2000 tailored Italian silk suits, afford a $500 hair job, and get to lie through your teeth - it’s obvious the dental work was first class too.
As for Sen. Durbin, Thank You!
Comment by MFEMFEM — April 12, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
Oops — the snippet!
Active members of PFI include every major pet food manufacturer in the country, from Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. to Nestle Purina PetCare Company.[110] PFI members constitute 97% of domestic pet food production.[111]
Comment by Jay — April 12, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
To Linda MS [2:21 PM message]
I just called my local B&N and they’re totally sold out of the book. Figure 8 business days to get it in.
I think that was Kirk who’s hell-bent on people not cooking for their pets. I think she’s got her head up a tree. I think the reason why the deaths and illnesses went down the past few days is because more and more people stopped buying the stuff sold commercially.
I have a real grievance against the veterinary nutritionists who are exploiting this matter and using it for their own profit. This is the time to for veterinary nutritionists to come together and put something up on a website so that we don’t do further damage to our pets.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
Lynn,
I’m no expert. But I do watch my dogs carefully. When I switched them to homecooked, the changes in their attitudes and their coats, not to mention their poops, just amazed me.
It’s not easy and requires some work - but nothing in life worth anything is easy.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Just sent my thank you to Senator Durbin and my “thoughts” to the PFI contact us. Thought Mr E ought to know what we really think ~ he’s heard but he’s not listening.
Comment by dottie — April 12, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
FDA, SUNDLOF
Please don’t misinterpet this:
I’m thinking that the Veterinary Division of the FDA is like a foster child. I think they have been inferred to have the responsibility and authority to keep pets safe. But they have little resources. I will give them credit in terms of focusing on getting to the source of the wheat gluten, naming the supplier, and blocking it from entering the country.
I still think that there must be a Veterinary CDC to deal with the toxicology, or science-based aspects of food regulation.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:46 pm
On another note, I don’t like to over vaccinate. So one of my dogs doesn’t like the vets, so I took him in for shots and said just the rabies, and when I came back, my vet said “I went ahead and gave him a booster for everything.”
I like my vet, he is a kind and caring man, who is only trying to do what is best for my dog, but I was somewhat annoyed to say the lease.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
Durbin did an outstanding job. I just wish that the issue of laboratories and testing came up in the hearing. But then, it’s probably a moot point until such time as the real contaminant chemicals are discovered……then watch out!!!
I thought it was very telling that Andrew von Eschenbach [commissioner of the FDA] couldn’t spare the time to be present. I’m beginning to think that Sundlof is his good little soldier - just following orders and doing the best he can with what little resources he’s got.
Comment by Lynn — April 12, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
What percentage of the PFI also represents what percentage of the human food manufacturing industry; what is that elitist society’s name? Just wondering who is really running the country.
Mr. E is a slime ball.
Anyone know what Sen. Durbin’s next move is? I can’t imagine it ending there.
Has anyone heard anything about the yet unidentified toxin in the wheat gluten? This needs to be pressed. The question about renal disease/failure increase in humans did not go unnoticed. Another subject to quantify and compare.
More work to be done.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 12, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Why didn’t that jackass from the Pet Food Institute just say, “Look, our members won’t be buying any more ingredients from Chia since we can’t guarantee their safety”? After watching his smarmy performance, I’m more convinced than ever that homecooking is the only way to go. No one on the committee or the panel would touch seriously the issue of how risky it is that we’re importing so much food from countries that don’t give a damn about purity, safety, or even the lives of humans or dogs & cats.
Comment by Dee — April 12, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
And the contaminated wheat gluten got into HUMAN FOOD. USE this.
That is big, BIG news, as Christie said it was a bombshell.
USE it to push the story forward.
Do not let this get buried.
And Nestle/Purina announced today that they are buying a babyfood company-Gerber.
Get the news out.
With tainted food still on the shelves, a senator saying the tainted stuff made it into HUMAN food before being pulled( and why was THAT not on the news??) and a company associated with bad pet food trying to buy a babyfood company- this story should be front page news for months!
USE THIS!
Durbin did an good job, we can do more and we can do it today.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 12, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
after watching the hearing today the man from the PFI WAS a joke and should be fired ! i don’t think it’s safe to feed our pets dog or cat food now. how many pets died since nov when this crap from menu foods ended up in our pets food?
Comment by MARY ANN — April 12, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
The (PFI) Pet Food Institute and the big pet food companies, wants everyone to believe they are the only ones with special talent to make pet food.
Well, they have been the only ones that DO MAKE,
Can O Crap
And
Bag O Crap
Pet Food.
I certainly can NOT reproduce what they do, nor do I want to.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 12, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
I’m not going to allow racist comments about “the Chinese” any more than I’m allowing porn spam or profanity. I’ve deleted a couple today.
“The Chinese” are no more of a single mind that Americans are. What some Asian cultures may do with dogs and cats does not equate to universal consensus within those cultures on such practices.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 12, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
I will write all my reps. in congress etc, also state level, call them too, and tell everyone I know about this problem.
Tonight I will make homemade dog food, play with my dogs and thank God they are alive. The rest I just don’t know about. The forces are against us, but I will not give up.
Don’t get me started on China - I know all about the horrors of China and their poor animals.
More later,
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
One last comment, I watched videos of crying woman and children while their pet dogs were taken from their clutching arms - yes in China. It was heartbreaking. So, many Chinese love their pets and their dogs.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
No amount of taxpayer-funded government regulation, industry oversight, congressional hearings, even Senator Byrd’s little “Trouble,” is going to provide pet owners with 100% protection from tainted ingredients regardless of where they come from. We heard loudly and clearly this afternnoon that food products are tested for toxins ONLY AFTER they have been previously identified as contaminants. It is foolish for anyone to think let alone expect that that our food chain can be tested for every toxin on earth.
I have no doubt that the Menu Food recall will do much to highlight the lapses of a system that is inherently weak to begin with - but 100% guarantees won’t be forthcoming from anyone. It is impossible and none of those that testified today had the fortitude to say so.
Further regulation is hardly the answer. Regulators have proven over and over again that they are inept and incestuous.
Going forward, we need to take more personal responsibility for what we buy, educate ourselves to the best of our abilities, and know that what we purchase never will be 100% safe.
Comment by Don — April 12, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
Was only able to watch the hearing up to the point that Byrd (bless his heart) started talking about his dry eyes and knowing Mayor Daily??? At any rate, from my point of view there were only a few unexpected pieces of information: 1) the exalted AAFCO is a volunteer organization, HA!HA! 2) and this is serious, according to Elizabeth Hodgkins the pet food companies do not test their products to see if they will support longevity in a pet. Not even with short lived rats, where they could extrapolate to a longer lived mammal????? And they expect us to feed our animals the same product all the time and they don’t even know how long an animal can be maintained on it??? And that is a reason why the labeling on say a bag of pet food should be far more clear and detailed than on a can of pineapple. Most animals only eat that one bag of food! Humans don’t just eat pineapple!!!!! I will send an email to Sen. Durbin thanking him for holding the hearing, but it is just a tiny start. I am still glad that my cookbook is in the mail (I hope). BTW the link wasn’t working when I tried to listen to the rest of the hearing a bit ago.
Comment by Shawn — April 12, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
This hearing is available now on C-Span.org as “Sen. Appropriations Subcmte. Hearing on Contaminated Pet Food”. Please watch, and ask your representatives for support. Nothing will be done to oversee or regulate safety and proper nutrition unless there is a united public outcry. Do we need more regulation, or do we just need to insist that current regulations are enforced? Watching this jumbled mess will let you know just what pet owners are up against. My head is still spinning. Who are these people that are insisting that the insustry is safe? Please take the time to watch, and let it motivate you to make noise. Make phone calls. Write letters. We all know that our pets are worth it.
Comment by Miro' — April 12, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Shawn,
pet food companies are required to test for a short period of time, and the animal cannot lose more than 15 lbs during that time - then the food is suitable but it is marketed as sustaining life and good life at that.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
Mal— THESE WEB PAGES ARE FOR YOU!!!
C/O Pet Owner Research
I found these pages at the same time as the two I posted last night. I just didn’t list them because I didn’t know if the first two would catch some ones eye. I’m interested and anxious to hear your results soon. If not hear any more than Itchmo maybe?
Hope these help you, I will repeat the first 2 for others to view, and post 5 more for your investigations. Some I book marked just for the reference of a name or place.
1. About experimental wheat grown in U.S.
http://www.organicconsumers.or....._wheat.cfm
2. The St. Louis Co. they didn’t mention
http://www.allbusiness.com/mar.....452-1.html
3. The name and place of Doane in Europe
http://www.euratlantic.org/doc.....panies.pdf
4. Doane’s subsidiaries cheat government claiming to be a small company—must pay!
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/pae/.....elease.PDF
5. Doane teams with this European company, wonder if Keynetec leads anywhere interesting?
http://www.allbusiness.com/mar.....452-1.html
6. Names, Address, Email, Employees of Companies, Notice how many times you see DOANE!
http://www.allbusiness.com/tec.....482-1.html
7. A longer article about Mars Inc. buying out Doane Pet Products.
http://www.nashvillecitypaper......s_id=49448
Hope this help you MAL— or any other armature investigator. I noticed interestingly enough that at the bottom of the allbusines.com pages it has a copywrite credit to “Doane Informational Service”
Last but not least, THEY TRIED TO TELL US “WE ARE NOT FACING A PET FOOD CRISIS!!”
“It is important to realize that this represents a very small proportion of the commercial pet food market (about 1 percent).”
“…Manufacturers are run by people who own and love pets, too. They also understand it is never in the best interest of a company to sell potentially unsafe products.”
“Most of all, don’t panic! We are not facing a pet-food crisis”
They Said It!! Not Us!! Now Pet Food Companies—-Practice What You Preach!!
At only 1% of the industry affected:
DON’T cry to the government later for financial relief and tax breaks claiming what a big loss you took or how much it affected business.
DON”T raise the prices at the stores on your products trying to reclaim some of your net losses.
DON”T lay workers off or down size due to financial cut backs. This will only hurt the families of the people who have been the MOST loyal to you— YOUR WORKERS!!
HONOR your employees, for they are the very people who kept their mouths shut and didn’t sell or blab insider secrets or stories about the real workings with in your company walls.
If you really are to blame—then SUCK IT UP!!! Whether you admit it or not, learn from THIS so called hiccup. ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS INCCENDENT FOREVER—SO THAT IT MAY HOPEFULLY NEVER AGAIN BE REPEATED!!
And lastly—
DO that one thing which makes each of us human and separates us from the rest—APPOLOGIZE!!
You are hoping to gain OUR Good Faith back as customers, —- Show us Your Good Faith by not letting this issue become any more NEGATIVE, as by creating a Snowball Effect that effects our Pockets and Families and Neighbors who work for you.
HOW HARD CAN ALL THAT BE?
AFTER ALL IT’S NOT A PET FOOD CRISIS!!!
IT WILL ONLY REPRESENTS A VERY SMALL PORTION OF YOUR PET FOOD MARKET—-
ABOUT 1% YOU SAID —- RIGHT???
Comment by pet owner research — April 12, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
We have a lot of very intelligent people on here…
has anyone thought of forming a coalition regarding this issue?
Remember…
David defeated Goliath…with a slingshot and stone, aimed at his most vulnerable point.
Comment by Marcy — April 12, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
E. Hamilton, as I understand from both the hearing and Christie’s live blog it was a similar lot number to the tainted batch that they checked out in the human food chain. It was not actually the tainted batch and after tests to be extra sure, it proved to be OK. Durbin’s question was to clarify that.
Comment by elizabeth R — April 12, 2007 @ 3:36 pm
Shawn,
It’s six months and the dog can’t lose more than 15 lbs.
I do believe that experts advise owners to switch dog foods so as to provide better long term nutition.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:37 pm
Why are reported pet deaths declining? Cause the pets that were eating the bad food are already dead!! I guess you could say the worst is over.
I’m taking the ‘money talks/bs walks’ approach to this.
-Will I buy commercial pet food? - Yes
-Will I buy anything with wheat gluten, ever - No?
-Will I buy anything from companies who delayed, smoke-screened, etc? - No - and that includes you Nutro with your oh so safe dry food.
That still leaves me with - Innova, Wellness, Natural Balance & Buffalo Blue dry, and NB and BB and Merrick wet - since they are not made by Menus Foods and contain no wheat gluten. Innova (Natura) says they will find another place to have their food made or open their own plant - once they do I’ll buy their wet food as well. I hope Wellness will follow their lead. I know there are other companies out there that would meet my criteria - but I think this is an adequate selection for my two fussy furbabies.
Vote for change with your $$$s.
Comment by Andrea — April 12, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
Update on the Chinese investigation - some is a repeat of what we know, some is a clarification and the long process ahead to identify all the unkown toxic junk (my words) in the Wheat Gluten:
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pi.....02101.html
Today’s article.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Here’s a good article interviewing Elizabeth Hodgkins who testified today. Looks like she’ll have a book out with recipes(!) in June.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocre.....650154.php
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Thank you for that article.
So far my homecooking meals for my dogs is not cheap.
I buy local or California and my meat is the best I can afford - I’m not wealthy and it is not easy but by goodness I am not poisoning them.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
THEY TRIED TO TELL US
“WE ARE NOT FACING A PET FOOD CRISIS!!”
“It is important to realize that this represents a very small proportion of the commercial pet food market (about 1 percent).”
“…Manufacturers are run by people who own and love pets, too. They also understand it is never in the best interest of a company to sell potentially unsafe products.”
“Most of all, don’t panic! We are not facing a pet-food crisis”
They Said It!!
Not Us!!
O.K. Pet Food Companies—-
Practice What You Preached!!
At only 1% of the industry affected:
DON’T cry to the government later for financial relief and tax breaks claiming what a big loss you took or how much it affected business.
DON”T raise the prices at the stores on your products trying to reclaim some of your net losses.
DON”T lay workers off or down size due to financial cut backs. This will only hurt the families of the people who have been the MOST loyal to you— YOUR WORKERS!!
HONOR your employees, for they are the very people who kept their mouths shut and didn’t sell or blab insider secrets or stories about the real workings with in your company walls.
If you really are to blame—then SUCK IT UP!!! Whether you admit it or not, learn from THIS so called hiccup. ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS INCCENDENT FOREVER—SO THAT IT MAY HOPEFULLY NEVER AGAIN BE REPEATED!!
And lastly—
DO that one thing which makes each of us human and separates us from the rest—APPOLOGIZE!!
You are hoping to gain OUR Good Faith back as customers, —- Show us YOUR Good Faith by not letting this issue become any more NEGATIVE, as by creating a Snowball Effect that will reflect on OUR Pockets and OUR Families and OUR Friends & Neighbors who work for you.
HOW HARD CAN ALL THAT BE?
AFTER ALL IT’S NOT A PET FOOD CRISIS!!!
IT WILL ONLY REPRESENTS A VERY SMALL PORTION OF YOUR PET FOOD MARKETS—-
ABOUT 1% YOU SAID —- RIGHT???
Comment by lamquambi — April 12, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
This is worth a read. P&G (Iams, Eukanuba owners) is THE master of marketing… THEY invented the soap opera in order to sell their products all those years ago… and so on for more of their very clever marketing techiques because they have grown with the times.
http://www.time.com/time/magaz.....09,00.html
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Comment by Andrea — April 12, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
Hi Andrea,
I think you should also be asking these companies…..
“Innova, Wellness, Natural Balance & Buffalo Blue dry, and NB and BB and Merrick wet” -
If they purchase any ingredients raw or otherwise from Menu Foods or their supplier? Remember Menu Foods buys in bulk and sells ingredients to other pet food manufacturers….
Just a thought……
Comment by marcy — April 12, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
The source of vitamins in the dog food is a concern. I wonder if they are from China?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Good article from MSNBC on the International concerns over China’s food export safety, brought about by the recent pet food recall:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18078824/
Comment by Marcy — April 12, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
Linda, I don’t know that the source of vitamins for pets are any different than for humans… for example, I think the kelp supplement that has been found to contain arsenic was on the shelf for people.
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/blogs/jon/
Comment by Cynthia — April 12, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
I do want to add that China is trying to make changes with vaccinating dogs against rabies - progress is slow but they are trying. I will not post the link here but it was in the China Daily newspaper.
China is a thrid world communist country and changes do not come easyily or quickly. Many fine organizations are trying to help bring about changes for the better - for the animals too.
Even so, I personally do not buy China and avoid food products for health reasons.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
to the person who exclaimed: “pet food companies do not test their products to see if they will support longevity in a pet. Not even with short lived rats, where they could extrapolate to a longer lived mammal????? And they expect us to feed our animals the same product all the time and they don’t even know how long an animal can be maintained on it??? “
that’s right folks! that’s what all the wacko nutso animal advocate freaks have been trying to point out……….
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 12, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
do you know whats in pet food? put down dogs and cats and many other dead animals that is just sick and wrong so my pets were eat other animals the pet food makers are down right dumb all they care about is money and wheather they’ll be able to have wine with dinner or if they’ll have fancy parties and expesive stuff
Comment by prettykat — April 12, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
Thank you Cynthia - I saw that. So I am staying away from supplements except some that I simply need - like feverfew for headaches - nothing else works and I don’t care for our high-powered drugs - but if the feverfew has arsenic I may have no other choice.
The weather does it for me, not just stress.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
They are supposed to test for a six-month period and the dog cannot lose more than 15 pounds, hopefully the dog is fat to begin with.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
e-mail I received from a very nice vet and column writer about what might be in dog food. According to blog rules I am not posting his name here.
Hi Linda,
It’s good to hear from you. These are good and common questions that I get asked on a pretty regular basis. There are some high-profile, inflammatory expose’ type articles out there that suggest some horrible atrocities taking place in the pet food industry, such as using road-kill and kitchen-sink type ingredients in pet food. My answer is that I cannot verify those allegations and do not believe that many are true. Large, established companies such as Purina, Hills, etc. would be VERY slow to do something so grossly offensive and jeopardize their reputation.In today’s world, there are waaaay too many whistle-blowers that make something like the use road kill common and indisputable knowledge. These companies are being watched very carefully by special interest groups, more so than the FDA.
The point is that their foods are bad enough with the “approved” ingredients- the gluten grains, soy, corn and now dairy products…again. That last one is insane, after we took all dairy out 20 years ago and for good reason. The pets are being sickened by these “staple” but totally unnatural ingredients every single day, with or without rat bait or plastic contaminants. We don’t need to be looking for overtly offensive additives to explain the problems we are seeing, although it is painfully clear that we need to for the safety of our pets…and us.
They are supposed to list all ingredients in the food, starting with the most abundant. Whether some “secret”ingredients exist is unlikely, especially in the case of the bigger companies, buuuut….stranger things have happened. :(
I hope this helps,
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:20 pm
same animal advocate freaks that have been saying vaccinations given repeatedly when duration of immunity studies being done show longterm protection…. we’re not just talking about petfood made of industrial waste here, the pethealth business is influenced by big pharma and their lobbyists too. Between the risky, poorly researched vaccines that cause as many problems as they “prevent” ( that’s questionable too) and the all the crap food sold and even w little/no trng in nutrition, veterinarians are GUARANTEED a lifelong income. and our pets are GUARANTEED lifelong illness. Read it and weep. I’m so d888 glad this has been exposed. MAY IT CONTINUE TO BE.
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 12, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
Just saw this on Yahoo News. The pet food disaster is shedding light on all foods from China.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200.....food_fears
Comment by stephen — April 12, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Regarding:Shawn,
It’s six months and the dog can’t lose more than 15 lbs.
I do believe that experts advise owners to switch dog foods so as to provide better long term nutition.
Linda MS.
Thanks Linda for the additional information. That’s some tight testing the industry is doing. That’s a “will it kill them fairly quickly standard”, not a longevity standard. It is laughable to me. By the way I had dogs over a 15 year period and none of my vets ever suggested that I change what I was feeding my dogs unless they were absolutely eating the wrong stuff (like still eating puppy food when they were an adult, or needing to eat a different formula because they had coat issues). Still glad the cookbook is in the mail! I am learning so much with this incident; and so much of it possible because of the internet.
Comment by Shawn — April 12, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Comment by Gina
When referring to mainland China, I’m afraid it’s the case. There is an insignificant animal rights movement, but cats and dogs used for fur and food is tolerated by Chinese society. Do the research if you can stomach it. That doesn’t mean the West holds higher virtue. India frowns upon our passion for eating what they consider sacred even though there is an insignificant vegetarian movement here.
In context of the pet food scandal, I believe self regulated companies allowed to source from countries with lower or non existent standards is the problem, regardless of origin. I dare not think of what it means for human food.
Comment by Frank — April 12, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
Glutens are bad. Why are they in dog and cat food. Bad, bad, bad……wheat too and corn.
Don’t buy it. And spread the word and hopefully the makers will change their ingredients.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
Frank,
I worry about it too - especially if substutions are made - but our leaders will need to address these problems. For the individual I think it best to avoid buying anything from China, at least until big improvements are made.
Ask your meat department and vegetable dept. where their products come from.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
Linda: touching assurances from that letter writer but what was left out was SOURCING of ingredients. They get the ingredients from others. what those suppliers do does not go on the label.
GET IT?
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 12, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
Oh, I get it. I really do. But what the solution is I do not know. I have found my own peace and the rest seems beyond my control.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Menu foods declined the invitation to appear at the hearing saying that they would be represented by the PFI. Gutless cowards they are. They were represented by an obviously brainless man who claimed not to know the facts about the delay in recall. I read the facts once three weeks ago and know the facts by heart. How could he not know the facts. Are we supposed to be that stupid as to believe him. Just like they think we are too moronic to make home prepared. Oh my you would have to go to a nutrition store to get supplies. That is a vitamin shop, plain and simple. Are we not capable of reading a recipe and going to a vitamin shop. I really think they think we are all really stupid. They will pay for underestimating our intelligence, wherewithal and power to put them out of business.
What goes around comes around. It always does eventually. All those involved in this will meet again in the end in a fiery place where they will be served the recalled food every day for eternity.
Comment by Garyn — April 12, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
Linda, what i meant was that P&G and those big co’s that are so “worried” about their public image they would NEVER use substandard ingred (just to save .005 cents) will source out ingredients. They “know nothing” about what the source does - don’t have to put that ugly stuff on the label and so of course, they are going to say the worst stuff (roadkill etc.) isn’t in there. UNTIL AN EXPOSE LIKE THIS FORCES THEM TO ADMIT THE TRUTH BY LAW.
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 12, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
thanks everyone. a good day for pets. hurrah for Durbin. Hurrah for all the blogs and bloggers.
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 12, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17963760/
Though this article on MSNBC is a few days old now, it would seem to indicate that some veterinarians, apparently, don’t understand AAFCO (at least according to what today’s hearings suggested) and what it DOESN’T guarantee — like food safety. And yet they’re advising their clients that any pet foods in stores now are “perfectly safe.” Geez — will it never end?
Comment by Dee — April 12, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
Frank,
I also do not buy from stores that are selling these questionable fur items from China. It is very sad. We need to stop putting fur or fake fur anything on our clothes and on any item and that will help lessen the suffering of animals in other countries. We are the problem. It is us. We buy the products, we eat the products, we wear the products. We need to stop - all of us. It is a U.S. of A. consumer, over consumption issue - buy until we puke problem.
I am not an idealist. I am being very practical about it. They will produce and send what we are so ignorant to buy. Maybe it isn’t right and maybe we’d like our government to do more - but the problem is in our hearts - our priorities. Don’t slam me about this. China is a large country and people are starving with little food and protein and they will take advantage of every avenue to survive - including sending toxic junk to the U.S.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
All I know is to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. My pets thank you too. Without this forum and itchmo and the others, I would be one of the people who sees no evil, hears no evil. My God how my pets would suffer if I were to be so stupid. So thank you, thank you for all the hard work and the countless hours all of you have and are still spending to bring the truth out.
Comment by VJ — April 12, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
I just wanted to thank Pet Connection and other bloggers for keeping this active and in the forefront. I heard about the recall through a pet sitting list I’m on so thought I’d post it on my blog…little did I know that was the beginning of this very bizarre ‘nearly one month’ crazy trip we’ve all been on. I was THRILLED when the fact that the blogging community, on a variety of levels) was mentioned as being responsible for getting information out to the public in a MUCH timelier fashion than the government has been. Yes, I understand the need to make sure facts are correct before sending out notices that could cause false alarm, BUT there ARE cases when you NEED to sound the alarm, facts in hand or not! Such was the case with this recall and I thank Sen. Durbin for doing such a great job today really calling some of those folks to the carpet, especially that PR-spewing PFI guy, Duane Ekedahl. Ugh.
Anyway, the main reason for this posting over here is just to thank not only Pet Connection, but all the folks who are blogging, commenting, and making sure that this story does NOT get swept under the carpet. It’s the least we can do for our beloved pets.
Take care. :)
Comment by SoCalMuchacha — April 12, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
CLAUDIA KIRK RECEIVED MANY GRANTS FROM THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY.
http://lethaldose.wordpress.co.....wo-months/
According to a University of Tennessee newsletter, in October and November 2006, as principal or co-principal investigator, Claudia Kirk received grants totaling $108,954. All can be traced back to the pet food industry.
October 2006
$14,952 Waltham Foundation ( Whiskas, Pedigree)
Claudia Kirk; Jo Smith, Joseph Bartges, Susan Lauten, Sherry Cox
November 2006
$18,974 Morris Animal Foundation (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
Joseph Bartges; Claudia Kirk
(Note: Joseph Bartges gets another $52,092 from Nestle Purina)
$34,969 Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Claudia Kirk
$27,099 Morris Animal Foundation (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
Claudia Kirk; Joseph Bartges
$12,960 AKC Canine Health (Purina)
Beth Johnson; Karen Tobias, Amy Holford, Joseph Bartges, Claudia Kirk
Comment by petlover — April 12, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Even better news…
1. Marketplace (Public Radio) - first story tonight was the hearings and the Menu CFO stock selloff
2. Half an hour later, I come home to turn on local news (NC) and they’re covering the hearings AND the concerns about the human food supply! (And it wasn’t even the GOOD news station!)
So maybe it isn’t groundbreaking, but I choose to see it as encouraging - even if the hearing didn’t produce the drastic results we were hoping for, at least it got some media attention.
Comment by Laura — April 12, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
For those who don’t know, Claudia Kirk was on the Senate Hearing panel today.
Comment by petlover — April 12, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
CBS Evening News just did some good coverage of the hearing! People food and some of Sen Durbin’s best soundbites. Including the 3-week delay. YAY!!
Comment by Kim — April 12, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
I just did a Google news search and there’s an article in the KC Star saying Menu made another recall of cat food today. Maybe you all already know this —
Comment by Pam — April 12, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
More on DR. CLAUDIA KIRK who testified before the Senate hearing today. According to this site, lethadose.worpress. com, Dr. Kirk is in with the pet food industry.
http://lethaldose.wordpress.co.....-industry/
QUOTED MATERIAL STARTS HERE*******************
Claudia A. Kirk, DVM.
Associate Professor at The University of Tennessee (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine
Member of something called an “equivalent of an academic faculty of clinical nutrition” at the Mark Morris Institute (MMI) which is a front for Hill’s pet food used to funnel money to universities and professors, and most importantly to indoctrinate future vets.
Worked at Hill’s Science and Technology Center for 9 years
Kirk’s Assignment from Pet Food Industry:
Use any tactic to convince people that homemade pet food is dangerous
Say anything to deflect blame away from the pet food industry
Kirk’s comments in JAVMA on March 30, 2007, are particularly nauseating. It’s a disgusting collection of excuses and misrepresentations supporting the pet food industry without disclosing Kirk’s current relationship with MMI.
Unless a clinical nutritionist has been involved in developing a home-cooked food plan for a pet, Dr. Kirk believes the possible harm of not providing a balanced diet outweighs the potential for encountering further contamination.
By “clinical nutritionist” she means people like herself that developed the expensive food sold at by vets that made our pets fat, diabetic, arthritic, with bladder stones, hyperthyroidism, and chronic renal failure. Food that made our pets so sick, those same clinical nutritionist had to develop new foods to “treat” the effects of the old food. Now our pets just die instantly.
In Pfizer’s recent press release, touting the benefits of their new drug for the “effective management of canine obesity” Kirk admits 40% of US dogs are fat. She blames it all on two “habits” of pet owners: failing to “ensure their pets get adequate exercise” and giving dogs “too much food” because owners “often equate food with love.” Yup, the Associate Professor of Medicine and Nutrition/Amateur Psychologist is saying canine obesity has nothing to do with the ingredients in dog food. This is typical of the Kirk. She’ll use misinformation from any discipline to deflect attention away from the pet food industry.
Academic Un-Excellence: Kirk is listed as the contact for the article Avian Influenza and pet food safety posted on the UT College of Veterinary Medicine Nutritional Services web page. The article asserts:
… there is no danger to dogs and cats from eating commercial pet food containing any poultry ingredients.
Kirk’s article is taken verbatim from a “free to copy” article published anonymously and without references in the pseudo-trade journal Pet food Industry - with one exception. Kirk added this little gem to the bottom:
On the other hand, people preparing pet foods using uncooked poultry (i.e. pet food workers, ingredient suppliers, pet owners feeding home-prepared and raw poultry diets) theoretically will increase their exposure and risk of contracting the disease if Avian Influenza becomes prevalent within the U.S. poultry population.
That’s right. A vet that worked for Hill’s pet food and then got a job at UT, but still gets money from Hill’s without disclosing it, used the academic authority of The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine to declare commercial pet food safe and to insinuate that you could die if you make pet food at home.
Screen captures of all of the referenced pages available upon request.
Permalink
2 Comments »
Lynette said,
April 9, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Great - and Dr. Kirk will be testifying in front of the Senate April 12 regarding the recent pet food recalls…. gee, wonder what she’ll say? (dripping with sarcasm…)
Susanne Scott said,
April 9, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
This just stinks to high heaven…well, basically, this is a set-up. “like-minded” politicians appear to get to the bottom of things (appeasing their constituents), interview people (academics) sleeping with the pet food industry, and then “assuring” the public that after extensive investigations, the committee could find no wrong-doing and its business as usual. The industry is done as far as I’m concerned. I will never buy commercial pet food again and I will never trust vets again.
END OF QUOTED MATERIAL*************
I went to the Mark Morris Institute (MMI) site and clicked on the “contact us” links. Both links have “hillspet” as the last part of the email address.
Comment by petlover — April 12, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration today said a random check of 400 retail outlets across the U.S. that sell pet food found some were still stocking previously recalled dog and cat food.
http://www.kansascity.com/194/story/68506.html
Comment by Steve — April 12, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Just taking a few moments to toss a sincere thanks to Gina, Christie and the cast of thousands…y’all are creating citizen journalism of the kind the world hasn’t seen since the days of Ben Franklin …..Keep it up!
Comment by GingerTom — April 12, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 12, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
I have to agree with Frank on this one. I don’t think bashing China’s animal welfare standards equates to racism. This is the government whose answer to a rabies epidemic was (and still is, apparently) to haul non-rabid dogs in affected areas out into the street and club them to death in front of their owners. That’s well-reported and well-documented fact.
I understand your concern that the entire population is being tarred with the same brush - I know there are many, MANY devoted pet lovers in China. But its government is clearly a different story, and I think it’s fair to consider that. Especially when we’re talking about pet food ingredients coming out of that country under the auspices of its official grain export agency. Is it realistic to think they’d exercise the same careful inspection we’d expect from a more pet-friendly country?
Comment by Laura — April 12, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
Can you believe this one?
WASHINGTON, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pet Food Institute
(PFI), which represents pet food manufacturers, today announced the
formation of the National Pet Food Commission, composed of
nationally-recognized veterinarians, toxicologists, state and federal
regulators and nutritionists, to further strengthen industry procedures and
safeguards in light of recent pet food recalls.
http://tinyurl.com/yrnsmf
Comment by Steve — April 12, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
Frank ,
i read your message. your right about china selling anything it can to the U.S. , but it’s worse than that? the Goverment is communist
dedicated to destroying capitalism.. it’s not changed, the ideology reamins unchanged..
it’s a very corrupt system. and if we don’t
watch we’l be eatting the toxins next. (look
at the number of nations sold toxic drugs and
even the number of poisonings in china?).
we , even if the bozo bush admistration refuses
to see the light ,have to make sure we do NOT
use chinese products?? i swear to you , eventually it’l happen.. and those that haven’t
wised up will be sorry..
Comment by johnypaycut — April 12, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
I’ve researched/investigated the pet food industry for over 16 years now and written books, Food Pets Die For: and Protect Your Pet:, on what transpires within this industry. The ingredients used should be sent to landfill not fed to our pets. It is garbage, total garbage and we will never see this industry regulated. They are self-regulated, despite the claims of the PFI, and this won’t change. The only changes will be made by the consumers who refuse to buy these foods and either cook for their pets or purchase foods from that smaller companies that use only human grade ingredients. This industry has got away with the blatant murder of our pets.
Comment by Ann Martin — April 12, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
Comment by Steve: Can you believe this one?
What was truly unbelievable was the PFI hack shamelessly holding up a full page ad in USA Today announcing it during the Senate hearing! The audacity to use a hearing on sickened and dead pets as a publicity stunt is the slimiest thing to hit corporate America in history.
Comment by Frank — April 12, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
How Close Was Tainted Wheat To Human Food?
CBS News Has Learned Nothing But Luck Kept Suspect Wheat Gluten Out Of Food Supply
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories.....8863.shtml
Comment by Gracie — April 12, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Hooray for Senator Durbin!
I too want to thank Pet Connection and all the bloggers out there. Without you all I don’t think the hearing would have taken place. Hopefully this is the begining -
By the way, we are into our third week of home cooking. My dog now has a glossy coat, and hair so soft,her nails weren’t brittle when cut today,she’s happy,her demeanor is so calm. I will never go back to supporting those companies with my dollars. All her symptoms disappeared when I no longer fed her that c_ _ _ _ !
I sure did enjoy seeing Mr. Ekedahl being on the hot seat. And the fellow from AAFCO having to tell what AAFCO really meant.
Also glad to see, at the end of the hearing the petconnection.com website was posted at the bottom of the screen. More people will now know where to come for information.
Again, Thank you all -
Katie
Comment by Katie — April 12, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Thank you all so very much for your persistance! WAY TO GO! Kudos to all of you…so many people and pets thank you! Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is near…
Comment by Mandy — April 12, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Comment by Ann Martin
Thank you Ann…Your work remains a milestone for many of us.
Comment by Gracie — April 12, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Linda MS,
Comment by Linda ? April 12, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
I do not sell these products, but a friend of mine told me about them.
This is a very “natural” friendly company. I think that they even sell feverfew.
You might want to check it out.
http://www.theaimcompanies.com.....rID=130851
Comment by Mary Smith — April 12, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
Ann Martin,
Just looked in and saw your message. Really great to have you online. Any suggestions on good brands to look for? People are desperate for guidance right now, as you might imagine.
Comment by Eva — April 12, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Gracie - thanks for the link. Refreshing to hear a major news organization do a good story.
Comment by Jenny — April 12, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
perhaps someone has already mentioned this, but I recently switched cat food — Merrick (for soft food - they dont have dry for cats yet) and Innova for dry cat food. My kitties look so great! They looked good before, but since switching, I can still see a difference! Plus they seem to be happier & have even more energy, which I didn’t think could happen :)
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/ (can order online - free shipping)
http://www.naturapet.com/ (for Innova)
Comment by Mandy — April 12, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
Here are a few links to some media reports on the senate hearing.
http://www.northcountrygazette.....hToll.html
http://www.fdlreporter.com/app.....12168/1985
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics.....amp;page=1
http://www.chippewa.com/articl.....far3g0.txt
Comment by Margaret Bridge — April 12, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
some great food that I recently switched my 4 kitties to is Merrick & Innova.
http://www.naturapet.com/ (Innova)
http://www.merrickpetcare.com
Comment by Mandy — April 12, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
CSPAN2 showing replay of hearing!
Not sure if someone posted this already or not, but I Just saw on C-SPAN’s site that they will be showing the Pet Food Regulation hearing on C-SPAN2 tonight at 10:24 PM EST, and 2:50 AM EST.
http://inside.c-spanarchives.o.....hedule.csp
Comment by SoCalMuchacha — April 12, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Regarding the CBS link:
“CBS News has learned that the tainted wheat gluten used in pet food was human grade — meaning nothing but luck kept it from being used in the food people eat, too, CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.”
Where have they been for the last month?!
Comment by straybaby — April 12, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
I also want to jump in here & thank Pet Connection & all the hard-working people who have kept all of us up to date. Very little on the news or in the newspaper. I believe this would’ve gotten shoved under a rug somewhere had it not been for a lot of these people.
Thanks also to the bloggers. I have learned a lot just from hopping around & reading the posts. My eyes are blurry from reading but my dog is alive & well so it’s well worth it.
I threw out a ton of treats in the past few weeks. I went through my cupboard & started to read labels…..very scary. Dog biscuits with wheat gluten MADE IN CHINA….I couldn’t believe all the crap I had been feeding my dog & had no clue I could’ve killed her with this stuff.
I am now reading labels on everything….only all natural & organic ingredients will find their way into this house & my doggy’s belly. This is one of the most horrible things I have ever seen big business do to their customers & I will never forget it either. An apology & any word at all on what they are now doing to prevent this from ever happening again would also be nice.
I made copies of the recall lists & the names of the companies…they are off my list for life, no matter how much they improve what goes into dog food. Only the organic, human grade ingredients for my pooch.
I hope & pray that all the outraged pet owners boycott these sleazy companies & their crappy food. You can write letters & make phone calls but nothing will get their attention more than them losing money…..& their CEOs losing their gazillion dollar bonuses each year. That’s how we can get our message across that we’re MAD AS HELL & AREN’T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!!
Comment by jan — April 12, 2007 @ 7:05 pm
Me again…..Mandy, I just noticed you talking about some great foods you just switched to. I may be wrong but I thought I read somewhere that Innova’s wet food is made by Menu Foods. Maybe I have them mixed up with someone else but you might want to check that out.
Comment by jan — April 12, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
Thank you Mary Smith.
Linda ms
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
This is a quote from the Kansas City Star article Steve linked earlier in this thread: “On Thursday, Menu broadened its recall to include more private and branded types of canned cat food, including products made for supermarket chain Price Chopper and for branded labels, including Nutro.” That article was published today. I can’t find anything anywhere else about more recalls today. Does anyone know if this is just erroneous reporting, or have more products been added to the list today?
Comment by Pam — April 12, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
If you go to the menufoods.com list, the Science Diet for cats was updated today. It sends you directly to Hills website but says the information is not new? Sounds like Hill’s is starting to sweat about something and not making any sense. Could there be something coming? It’s Friday tomorrow and I’m worried. Hill’s is getting a lot of blogs about their dry lately.
Comment by Sindy — April 12, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
I wanted to add that I think mentioning what China does as their state sanctioned policy towards animals and the environment, their citizens etc. is not racism.
They received so much world-wide criticism over their culling of dogs to stop rabies that they are reconsidering their policies. There’s nothing wrong with us not liking such state sanctioned actions in China or speaking the truth of what is happening in China, maybe you just don’t want it on this blog - maybe some of it sounds too harsh.
I do not hate Chinese people. But I do not agree with their official policies on many important issues. And that is why I do not buy China - to the best of my ability.
Linda MS.
Comment by Linda — April 12, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
RE: CLAUDIA KIRK RECEIVED MANY GRANTS FROM THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY.
….It is an unfortunate fact that most Univ. research is funded by companies. There is not much govt money for doing basic research on anything and certainly there’s no basic research on dog nutrition - it’s all done by pet food companies.
Comment by CathyA — April 12, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Comment by CathyA — April 12, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Re: “It is an unfortunate fact that most Univ. research is funded by companies. There is not much govt money for doing basic research on anything and certainly there’s no basic research on dog nutrition - it’s all done by pet food companies.”
Unfortunately, this is true to a startling degree regarding cancer and related research in humans.
I think we need to re-examine what we expect of government.
Comment by Maureen — April 12, 2007 @ 9:29 pm
More government regulation is not the answer. Regulatory agencies have shown us over and over again that they are ill equipped to protect the public on a broad scale. Simply take a look at how Katrina was mishandled.
Yesterday’s message was very clear. No taxpayer-funded regulatory agency, congressional hearing, corporate or private industry, trade association, oversight commission, etc., will ever provide a 100% guarantee against a contaminated food supply – for pets or humans!
Food supplies are tested for previously known toxins ONLY- ones that have already been associated with unintentional or intentional contaminations. It would be impossible and impractical to expect that all food products could be tested for all of the earth’s known toxins regardless of what continent they come from.
I have no doubt that the pet food recall will highlight the glaring lapses in what has been an inherently weak system comprised of incestuous subsidies between the food manufacturer’s and their vendors. But that isn’t the problem. The problem is that the consumer is expecting the impossible and those in charge, industry and government, do not have the fortitude to tell them the truth. There CAN BE NO 100% GUARANTEE!
Comment by Don — April 13, 2007 @ 5:40 am
EVERYONE…..GREAT NEW WEBSITE: http://www.pnv2.com has many up-to-date tools, a nation-wide map tracker of animals who have died from the poisoned foods, etc .
ALSO…..THERE IS A NATIONWIDE MARCH PLANNED! THIS WEBSITE TELLS ALL ABOUT IT…GREAT SITE _ NEW APPROACH TO THIS HEARTBREAKING SUBJECT!!!!!
Comment by laura S — April 13, 2007 @ 6:28 am
about Funded Research
http://www.slate.com/id/2133061/
Rent-a-Researcher, by Jennifer Washburn is a great article detailing how Procter & Gamble (parent company of Iams pet food) tried to manipulate researchers investigating their osteoporosis drug. One noble researcher, Aubrey Blumsohn, stood up against this scientific misconduct.
I don’t know anything about Mr. Blumsohn other than what I’ve read in Jennifer’s article, but he is my new personal hero. If you are disheartened by the all the shysters in this pet food scandal, Mr. Blumsohn’s story will remind you that there are good people out there doing the right thing.
The article explains how P&G perverts and manipulates the methods used in a “blind” study. The same sort of intentional perversion of the scientific process occurs in veterinary research.
For example, a pet food company will fund a study comparing two diets. The pet food company provides the researcher with all the food to be used in the study. Since the researcher doesn’t know which food is which,supposedly his bias won’t influence the outcome.
The problem: the researcher never actually finds out what was in the food. He takes the word of the pet food company that supplied it.
(sorry, no time to finish or proofread. I’m about to lose electricity.)
Comment by funded research — April 13, 2007 @ 11:07 pm