News: Melamine found in catfish
By Christie Keith
May 23, 2007
Testing on fish imported from China for human consumption found melamine — but not antibiotic residues. And as far as I can tell, no one is acting like it’s that big of a deal, even though it’s my understanding based on the FDA/USDA media briefings I’ve been at since this all began that no meat or fish has previously tested positive for melamine. I’m trying to wrap my brain around this:
The Arkansas Division of Health said Tuesday that samples of fish imported from China showed no traces of antibiotics that haven’t been approved for use in fish.
Earlier this month, the state sent samples of imported catfish and tilapia to be tested at a U.S. Food and Drug Administration lab in Denver.
One sample of imported catfish showed a small amount of melamine, but that level doesn’t pose a health risk, the state said. Much higher concentrations of melamine have been found in some pet foods, leading to a massive recall earlier this year.
Read this story and tell me what you think. UPDATE: That link no longer works, try this one.
ConsumerAffairs.com with some thoughts on the ramifications of the discovery of melamine in a pet food not on the recall list, which we reported late last night:
A spokeswoman for Diamond Pet Foods called this an “isolated incident.” When asked if the tainted bags are still on store shelves, however, she said she wasn’t sure.
Spokeswoman Becky Johnson also said Diamond Pet Foods is running its own tests on the Nutra Nuggets.
“We’re not disputing those finding (of melamine),” she told ConsumerAffairs.com. “We’re just waiting for our own results. We anticipate we’ll have those back late Wednesday or Thursday.”
Reuters is reporting out of Beijing:
China’s handling of the tainted pet food scare in the United States was “shameful”, but other countries should not use that as an excuse to discriminate against Chinese products, a state newspaper said on Wednesday.
“Our quality watchdogs’ contradictory statements regarding responsibility for the sensational pet food scandal was a shameful example of lack of professionalism,” the government-run China Daily said in an editorial.
“They first denied, then soon admitted, that the contaminated pet food originated in China,” added the English-language newspaper, which is often used by Beijing to get its message to the outside world.
“To restore and maintain consumer confidence, our quality watchdogs have an obligation to demonstrate that Chinese exports are safe,” it added.
The article goes on to refer to a “spate” of deaths in U.S. pets from contaminated pet goods. How many is that, I wonder? More than 16?
Sorry, Gina warned me not to be snarky.
I am so sick of EVERYTHING being an “isolated incident”. I’m so friggin angry about this. Why isn’t anyone taking this seriously? Where are our leaders???? I want my country back! These people who are suppose to be protecting us don’t give two cents about us. Everytime there is a catastrophe at home it is nothing short of government chaos and screw ups. But they certainly are on the ball when the catastrophe is in another country. Their motto is ‘We take care of everyone else but our own’. Let the elections commence; I’m so ready for 2009!
Comment by Tammy — May 23, 2007 @ 1:50 am
I keep wondering about the “other” 4 toxins (cyanuric acid, amilorine, amiloride, and the one the FDA won’t name):
1. As far as I understand it, they *can* be all metabolites of melamine. However many people suspect cyanuric acid was added separately to spike the glutens/grains or was present as a “contaminant” in the melamine to begin with. How do we know the other remaining toxins are really metabolites of melamine?
2. Is anybody testing for these 4 toxins, or are all the labs just testing for melamine?
3. Has anyone ever had a sample where melamine came up negative, but any of the other 4 toxins came up positive?
4. How toxic are these compounds on their own or in combination?
I suppose what I am asking is why is melamine considered to be the perfect marker for contamination? I know that the crystals that were examined at the University of Guelph were a combination of melamine and cyanuric acid. But the number of samples looked at was very small. Shouldn’t the toxicological testing be more comprehensive? I know these tests are probably very expensive, but still…
Comment by Kirsten — May 23, 2007 @ 2:57 am
I hope that the FDA will now tell us what became of the recalled pet foods.
Sooner than later :(
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 3:04 am
Just came upon a list of bad foods for dogs that is really really good. I’ll put it up at Itchmo too, but here is the link for ya:
http://mooreshaven.com/pets/do.....slist.html
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 5:05 am
Natura adds Cyanuric Acid to testing protocols:
http://home.businesswire.com/p.....ewsLang=en
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 5:24 am
Melamine in catfish, Nutra Nuggets recalled - gee I can see why the FDA/USDA cancelled the media conferences. Now we know what they mean by “no new information” (no new information that we want to share with the public).
Wag of the finger for the FDA & USDA : (
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 5:25 am
Christie, I don’t think we really know if any meat has tested positive for melamine. I KNOW they tested the pork meat at UC Davis, but so far I do not think anyone has actually SAID if there was residue in the meat. And I think they recently said they don’t have a standardized test yet for cyanuric acid in chickens, IIRC.
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 5:27 am
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 5:05 am
Regarding the “bad foods” list, I have been feeding a number of foods on this list to my dogs for years. I take these lists with a grain of salt. What *should* be on the list IMO is “Most commercial pet foods”.
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 5:28 am
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 5:28 am
You’ve been feeding a number of these items to your dog, with success? Can I ask what items? I’ve been feeding a raw diet and although I’ve not seen this particular list until today, I don’t recall feeding any of them, with the except the whites of the egg that remain of the raw that remain that I simply can’t get off that is :) (I use raw eggs, but without the white)
Thanks!
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 5:43 am
Shelly, there’s better lists of toxins/bad foods out there, as the one you listed is not accurate and doesn’t even mention xylitol. I’d suggest: http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dtoxin.html
Broccoli: cooking eliminates the problem with isothiocyanate; liver - Vit A isn’t the problem, Vit D is - you’d have to feed massive amounts of liver to initiate problems with Vit A; avocado - nothing wrong with them - toxic principles are in seed, skin and perhaps any meat you might scrape from skin. And I find it just plain annoying that Apple is listed, then the problem is not apple but the seeds. Ditto with all the rest of the fruits. You could say banana peels aren’t great either. And corn cobs should certainly be in there as they’ve been known to totally block dogs.
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 5:43 am
Did I post the wrong darned list?? I’ll go look at it again; I thought for SURE it had stated seeds, not the actual fruit, and had mentioned corn cobs. I doubt whomever created the list intended to be all-knowing but I don’t remember reading a site forbidding the fruit itself; I wouldn’t have posted it - I feed the fruits myself (apples, etc). I’ll go look again.
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 5:51 am
Shelly…the list did list corn cobs and fruit SEEDS. Don’t know what list CathyA was reading. Also…according to the ASPCA, Avocado is toxic including the fruit part.
http://www.aspca.org/site/Page.....te=avocado
Comment by BengalMom — May 23, 2007 @ 5:54 am
Not fed “in quantity” but fairly regularly: avocado, broccoli, green tea, cherries, tomatoes, ground nuts, raw eggs and - everyone’s favorite: TABLE SCRAPS! When I lived in Seattle, we always had apple trees and the dogs used to eat apples off the tree (including seeds I assume) daily - as many as they possibly could. They still love apples even though we don’t have trees now. As for dairy, I feed that daily (usually yogurt and buttermilk with breakfast) and so I guess I would classify that as “in quantity”.
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 5:54 am
thanks BengalMom, i just went to look at it again too, I really thought I was losing my mind (easily could be, sitting here with a newly sick dog at the moment-vet at 11:45) -
Xylitol most certainly is on that list.
I for one am not a ping-pong player on this list.
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 5:58 am
Shelly, yes, sorry they do have corn cobs listed. I was so annoyed at the broccoli statement I missed it. To make people afraid of feeding broccoli when the problem is only relevant for RAW broccoli is misleading. I found the fruit stuff annoying because they didn’t say Apple seeds, Plum pits, Peach pits in their listing.
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 6:01 am
CathyA -
stressed :) (me too!)
The list initially caught my eye because the fruit themselves listed alone - but the info is to the right. Have to READ girlfried :)
I’m searching right now for info on a particular natural turkey treat - trying to find out why my dog is so sick. It’s a round treat - sold as a solitary item (not packaged) - raw feeders would be the most likely users - any body used them before / had any issues? My first time using them was Monday - now sick dog. Don’t know if this is why he’s sick, but that’s what I was in search of when I found the list (and then got yelled at!!)
Thanks
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 6:07 am
I sometimes feed my dogs small pieces of raw broccoli and sometimes it’s cooked. Now I’m not supposed to? Also I thought freezing the stalks of
brocolli was good for puppies that are teething although I’ve never tried that. Is this also not a good thing?
Comment by VJ — May 23, 2007 @ 6:36 am
Xylitol is also very common in gum, which is why I missed it - they only mention candy. doG knows why dogs like chewing gum, but it does seem to be a favorite. I came home once to find my dogs had opened a bag of white flour they spread everywhere in the kitchen! So there is no accounting for what dogs will eat. While I think the list from the ASPCA is useful as a warning, people get too worried about a dog eating one fallen grape, a chocolate chip or an apple with seeds as they’re presented as absolutely toxic. In most of these cases it’s the quantity that matters. There’s really nothing wrong with raw egg whites either unless you feed massive amounts of egg white only in one sitting like they did in the rat study (which created a biotin deficiency) upon which this warning is based. In that study egg whites made up almost all the diet.
slt - I had a lab who parked herself under the apple tree too. She lived to be 14 1/2. And I had to lock her in the house when I picked tomatoes, because once she saw me out there she’d go get her own. What’s called for is common sense. By far the most toxic things a dog can eat are antifreeze, toxic mushrooms from the yard, xylitol and those human meds some pet parents give their dogs like ibuprofen. And lately commercial pet food with misleading labels.
Shelly, what’s wrong with your pup? Hope it’s nothing serious and they have a handle on it. There’s nothing worse than not knowing what’s going on. Hoping for a speedy recovery.
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 6:37 am
I’m interested in watching what foods occur on these lists and then comparing them with my experiences with dogs, cats and other animals. For one thing, my dogs especially, but other animals as well have always gotten some of the “people” food as a matter of course. That would include many of those things listed. Naturally these foods made up a small percentage of the diet, but it amazes me to see them listed. My record with longevity is surpassingly good - dogs and cats both. And other animals? My mink actively sought out some of these foods, and eating a broccoli quiche while that animal was around was dangerous - to the diner, but not to the mink, who flourished. My porcupine (missing upper incisors which limited his eating abilities) dearly loved human foods and especially liked cheese sandwiches! Sweets were his passion. Apples have been a favorite of all the dogs I’ve ever had; they weren’t tidy about removing the seeds, either. (A cupful of apple seeds is probably fatal to a human.) Possums and skunks are pretty omnivorous and don’t seem to be harmed by what they choose to eat. As a household that always made a home for the handicapped or temporarily impaired animal, I do question whether any of these lists should be taken as graven in stone. I’d say avoid the really known baddies (chocolate for example) and don’t starve the animals into accepting dangerous foods, but let them sample and choose among things. Sample, I guess, as in steal tomatoes from the garden, as my papillon does!
Please don’t take my comments as an endorsement of throwing away all the lists, but I am feeling a little tetchy at the moment now that I’m strictly home cooking since losing one dear sweet dog to . . . commercial pet food. My first really premature loss in all these years. His pal is eating what I cook - basically a lot of it is what I eat myself - and if there’s a little garlic in his meatball I guess he’s used to it after 13 years.
Comment by Nancy Nielsen — May 23, 2007 @ 6:41 am
Comment by VJ — May 23, 2007 @ 6:36 am
It’s FINE VJ!
gosh I wish I never posted that site - it’s too much too read through :)
too much is evidently not a good thing if raw is all - it’s on the site.
gosh! :(
CathyA -
his appt is at 11:45 hopefully I’ll know. I have another of the treat that I suspect may be the culprit, I’ll take it with me and I hope? the vet has the means for testing. I’m suspecting salmonella or the like. I’ll post once certain.
Thanks!
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 6:42 am
Oh blimey, now its called a “spate” of deaths? I think they went to the same school as Ekedahl and Acheson. The University of Denial I think its called. I think this over the top blogger needs to go drink a pot of coffee to get ready for another day full of bs.
I still think that if any of these folks had a pet become ill or die from the tainted food, they would be singing a different story. The difference between them and I is that I dont want their pets to suffer like mine did.
Comment by Sandi K — May 23, 2007 @ 6:51 am
VJ - large amounts of isothiocyanate can cause upset stomach. Cooking destroys it. Yet isothyiocyanate in raw broccoli has anti-cancer properties. So the best thing to do in these situations is to look at the dog. If your dog handles a little raw broccoli just fine, don’t worry about it. If it seems to give them urpies, cook it or eliminate it. Moderation is key. I think if one wants to make a generalization about any food items, a warning that cats and small dogs seem to be more sensitive to chemicals would be true. Otherwise it just depends on your dog. Sometimes these lists remind me of those warnings they put on lawn mowers - Don’t put your fingers under the mower while it’s running! It’s totally beyond my understanding that there are people in the world who think that a bowlful of avocado, raisins or raw broccoli would constitute a meal for a dog, but, hey maybe there are!
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 6:52 am
Comment by CathyA — May 23, 2007 @ 6:52 am
re: your last comment :) yea, i do believe there are:)
raw feeding, while second nature to me, I’m sure is like learning a new language to many that are now moving on to it. that was my on my mind when I thought to bring the link to petconnection; knowing that many of my friends here were moving to the home feeding diet. much on there i knew but had never thought to mention here. just came naturally to me as a raw feeder.
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 6:59 am
Re: Broccoli
Hrmm……and here I’ve been using my food processor (my new best friend thanks to many of you!) to make a pulp out of raw veggies for my dogs which has included broccoli. Now I’m supposed to cook it instead of serving raw?!! Thankfully I haven’t noticed any problems with my dogs, but now will make a change in this regard.
Also, another helpful list of toxic foods for dogs I recently discovered through a post at Itchmo’s forums:
http://mooreshaven.com/pets/do.....slist.html
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 7:06 am
There is an offer on the ASPCA site to receive a free magnet that will have the poison control center info on it. (I’m over there looking still for why my dog is sick - - until my vet appt @ 11:45 :( :( :( - longest wait EVER) I’ve found having numbers like this on my fridge to be a lifesaver (like not having to look for the vets number this morning during panic mode - UGH!!! - here is the point to get the free magnet thingy- 2 to 4 weeks for delivery, no strings or anything (that I came across)
http://www.aspca.org/site/Page.....pcc_magnet
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:08 am
Actually, I think “spate” is quite a good word…
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/spate
spate
–noun 1. a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring: a spate of angry words.
2. British. a. a flood or inundation.
b. a river flooding its banks.
c. a sudden or heavy rainstorm.
A sudden flood, rush, or outpouring: “It issues a spate of words from the loudspeakers and the politicians” (Virginia Woolf).
Chiefly British
A flash flood.
A freshet resulting from a downpour of rain or melting of snow.
A sudden heavy fall of rain.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source spate
noun
1. (often followed by ‘of’) a large number or amount or extent;
Comment by schnauzer — May 23, 2007 @ 7:08 am
no Ally, raw is fine. the link that started all this crap that *I* posted and wish *I* didn’t is above, somewhere …..
it got misinterprtedkdhthe;dsk somehow
:(
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:10 am
OH ALLY -
GOOD luck girlfriend -
That’s the same exact link that I had posted!!! (The one you just did!)
that started all the drama!
*off to cry now…*
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:11 am
MICHAEL LEAVITT, SECY, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, AT CONFERENCE W/CHINESE IS BEING INTERVIEWED BY BLOOMBERG NOW…BLOOMBERG DID SPECIFICALLY INQUIRE ABOUT THE PET FOOD PROBLEMS AND HE SAID THE CHINESE HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY MUST HAVE CONSUMERS TRUST IN ORDER TO DO BUSINESS. BLOOMBERG AND PROBABLY OTHER STATIONS WILL BE INTERVIEWING VARIOUS PEOPLE AT THIS CONFERENCE THRU OUT THE DAY.
Comment by BEE — May 23, 2007 @ 7:13 am
Shelly, it’s OK! I was perusing this thread fast because I have to scoot for a dental appt. But I did a search on my K9 Nutrition group and read much of the same thing……that it’s better to cook the broccoli. Although it’s supposed to be good for the digestive tract and fighting cancer, it’s recommended to cook broccoli and cauliflower before serving. They’ve been known to hinder thyroid in hypothyroid conditions unless fully cooked.
So I do appreciate the head’s up. It sounds as if I need to continue researching this a bit more and I wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t brought up here. So thank you, Shelly and no worries! :)
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 7:16 am
shelly - Cry if it helps, I do not believe you would intentionally misinform. The list is there, and thank you for posting the site. Also, thank you for all of your past, present and future info. I personally have gained knowledge from your diligence. Thanks again, hope your pup feels better. Let us know what the vet says.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 7:17 am
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:11 am
Sorry! I didn’t realize it was the same link - I thought it had been the ASPCA one (also good). As I said above, I was perusing fast!
*slaps wrist*
Bad Ally! Read through slowly first!
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 7:17 am
Re: the link we both posted
I always suggest reading them all and continuing your research. Many of the things posted on that link are repeated on most toxic lists for dogs so I do think it’s useful.
No crying Shelly! We’re all here to share & help!
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 7:20 am
whew, what a day and it’s only just started :)
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Shelly - Is it too soon for tequila? Must be 5PM somewhere!
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 7:34 am
Shelly,
I hope that your upset is related to your sick pet and not to anything posted on this thread. Specifically I hope that by saying I take these lists with a grain of salt, you did not feel personally attacked by me. If so, please know that I regret that and wouldn’t want to make you feel bad. I take *most everything* with a grain of salt - that’s just how I am. I’m glad to share information and that’s how I interpreted what this thread’s comments were about. Hope you have a good outcome with the vet visit.
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 7:38 am
LOL! elliott!
I’ll have to go find a “juicy scoop” and dedicate the find to you :)
knowing these guys it’s already found though, between petconnect & itchmo, what a team!
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 7:39 am
A spate is “a large number or amount.”
Comment by David — May 23, 2007 @ 7:45 am
Shelly, so sorry to hear about your pooch. Hope it all works out ok. Pls be sure to let us know when you know something. Don’t cry, chug a little tequila & you’ll be fine….
I bookmarked that page….I realize that most of these foods can be dangerous if used in large quantities but at least it’s something to go by. I appreciate all the links & posts because I’ve learned so much.
Only 7:53am here but already into first bottle of tequila….happy to share with you & Elliott as I’m sure it is 5pm somewhere…..yuk yuk.
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 7:55 am
elliott, if you and shelly don’t mind I’ll grab a swig of that tequila before heading out the door. I HATE dental cleanings. Blegh!
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 7:55 am
*Pass second bottle of tequila to Ally*
Will make for a more pleasant dental visit….
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 7:59 am
Comment by David — May 23, 2007 @ 7:45 am
Thanks David, I had always assumed it meant small. Well that is some good news for the day at least.
Comment by Sandi K — May 23, 2007 @ 8:00 am
JanC - you are a rock star! On my way…..*hic*
:-D
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 8:01 am
Comment by David — May 23, 2007 @ 7:45 am
I interpreted the discontent with the term “spate of deaths” as relates to the undetermined number and vagueness which has been a consistent problem with media reporting on the topic. Still, better than the “16 confirmed deaths” line - another consistent problem.
Comment by slt — May 23, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Can we do this every morning? I hate to drink alone!
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 8:40 am
I assume they didn’t have the tilapia pee into a cup to test their urine or prick their fins for a blood test for melamine. So this means the melamine was in the flesh, right?
I know there has been some discussion regarding the poulty and swine fed melamine tainted food, as to whether they retained the melamine in their organs, or flesh. And what part of them were tested for melamine?
And obviously, these catfish were tested “earlier this month” by our mouthpieces at the FDA. Who obviously knew this announcement was coming down the pike. And who conveniently shut down further media briefings because there was “nothing new on the melamine investigations.”
Which means that was a big fat lie, since they had the catfish tests on hand when they stated that. Anyone taking bets on how much other bad news may be released in the coming days, of which the FDA is also aware?
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 8:41 am
shelly - hope your pup is okay.
I had a spaniel when I was a kid, and our place had an old established orchard. The dog ate numerous Italian prunes when they hit the ground. And sat watch under the cherry trees for them to drop fruit. We used to get a kick out of watching him spit out the cherry pits.
As to apples, my understanding is that the seeds were the issue. I feed small bites to my two dogs as treats and sometime chop some into their food. And the horses, of course, enjoy apples snacks in a greater abundance.
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 8:48 am
I am trying to pull up the linked article (catfish), do connect to the PB Commercial website, but get a message that says it is a link to a page that no longer exists.
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 8:51 am
That link to the Arkansas paper about the melamine found in fish did not work…article not found.
“You have followed a link to a page which no longer exists on the server.”
???
Comment by Sylvia — May 23, 2007 @ 8:56 am
Anyone taking bets on how much other bad news may be released in the coming days, of which the FDA is also aware?
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 8:41 am
—
I’ll take that bet. They will release no news at all. The FDA has decided there isn’t any. End of discussion.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 23, 2007 @ 8:56 am
For Immediate Press release
The Centers for Pet Parents have identified a
new health challenge, related to , if not actually caused by, the
2007 Pet Food Recall, AKA The Nuking of the Canary’s.
Pet Food Phobia, consists of an extreme fear of buying expensive
mislabeled poison and feeding it to family members.
Symptoms of this devastating phobia include compulsive label reading,
unreasonable fear of mela-chicken, mela-fish, mela-pork,including all wholesome FDA approved mela-foods, repeated checking of recall news,
exploding heads and often, self medication with Tequila.
Pet Food Phobia can cause an infected person to spend more than a sane
person would on various pet foods, medications and in all too many cases,
cremation or burial expenses for household pets.
This resembles the obsessive behavior of those who have a shopping or drug addiction,
but is less fun and costs more than a heroin habit.
People suffering from Pet Food Phobia may hoard supplies of “possibly tainted”
pet food, have the vet on speed dial and bombard elected officials with
appeals for safe food regulation.
The diagnosis is easy, mention Menu Foods, Duane, PFI or FDA and if
the person froths at the mouth like a rabid dog, bursts into tears or
heads for the nearest hard liquor like a homing pigeon, that person has
been afflicted with the dread phobia.
This phobia is contagious and anyone with more than 6 functioning brain
cells is in danger of becoming pet food phobic.
The FDA believes that the “dilution factor” which assumes only 5 brain cells
per American citizen, on a good day, means that there is no hazard to human health.
The disorder presents with sudden onset, becomes chronic and there is no known cure.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 8:58 am
Here is a link that has not been wiped - yet:
http://www.swtimes.com/article.....news10.txt
Comment by Sylvia — May 23, 2007 @ 9:04 am
Between now and next 15 mins Bloomberg just mentioned they would be interviewing or man Paulson on the Chinese conference/meeting just ended.
Comment by BEE — May 23, 2007 @ 9:11 am
Does anyone want to have FUN with the USDA/FSIS. I followed the link from an FSIS email this morning & was “randomly selected” to fill out a survey… yipppeeee!
The URL is extrordinarily long, so here is the TinyURL:
http://tinyurl.com/2wmjf8
—————————-
This is what I wrote in the comment box. Although it was clearly stated at the top that this is for FSIS & not the entire USDA, I let ‘em have it anyway!!
—————————-
MORE information is needed about HOW the U.S. is NOT GOING TO ALLOW ~ANY~ CHINESE FOOD PRODUCTS INTO OUR COUNTRY!!!!
They have consistently bombarded us with poisoned, filthy, contaminated foods, food additives, toothpaste, drugs, and much MORE!
NO CHINESE FOOD or DRUG IMPORTS!!!
NO CHINESE ORGANICS!!!
They consistently violate their role as an international distributor!!!
THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO GET FIXED !!!!!!
AND, NO EXPORTED CHICKEN OR OTHER FOODS to China, for them to turn around & sell back to us - with ~ALL~ their secret ingredients!!!
Preposterous!
http://www.fda.gov/ora/oasis/ora_oasis_ref.html
Get busy TAKING CARE OF THE U.S. CITIZENS — PLEEEEEEEASE !!!!!
Plus, what happened to the NEWSROOM link, with the Transcripts & Speeches..??? It appears you’ve removed them….
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:17 am
uh…. wrong URL don’t know how THAT happened.
http://tinyurl.com/2wmjf8
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:19 am
am I gooofy or what….??? no comment…. the tiny url is at the top…. sorry…. go back to sleep….. zzzzzzzzz
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:20 am
Re: imported catfish in Arkansas
> The samples were taken from six Arkansas wholesale distributors this month and tests in federal Food and Drug Administration laboratories in Denver.
If I remember correctly, the Denver FDA lab is one that was targeted for closure.
I’m just sayin’.
Comment by Barry — May 23, 2007 @ 9:20 am
“Read this story and tell me what you think.” link no-worky…
File Not Found!
You have followed a link to a page which no longer exists on the server.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Comment by Sylvia with link,
The headlines on this article imply “good news” about imported Chinese fish!
But later down in the article it says”One sample of catfish, however, did show a positive test for melamine. The level of material, however, does not pose any human health hazards, according to DHHS”
This after FDA assures us that melamine does not collect in fish meat or something to that effect! And, they do not know if melamine poses a risk to humans because they don’t have any scientific studies.
However, they do know melamine kills dogs and cats, causes kidney damage in the same, causes tumors and cancer in rats, and kills sheep in 9 or 10 days.
“We are encouraged about our findings”, Dr. Jim Phillips,
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Barry, you are right. I posted a link last night about what the labs that are closing had been testing.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:24 am
That article is gone & no search results for China or catfish or talapia
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:27 am
To think, yesterday it occurred to me I should stop mentioned tequila so much. HA!
*chugs, passes bottle to next in line*
Comment by Kim — May 23, 2007 @ 9:30 am
Oops, typo - make that ‘mentioning’. Must type before drinking next time.
Comment by Kim — May 23, 2007 @ 9:31 am
http://www.swtimes.com/article.....news10.txt
save it quick
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Kat,
Are you talking about the Arkansas Times Record article? I have it minimized on my computer, so I have it, but wouldn’t know how to put it on the blog.
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 9:32 am
maybe i’m numb but, the article was very casual about the finding of Melamine. and when did eating Melamine go from “we don’t believe there’s any (health) risk & “very low risk” to “does not pose any human health hazards”?
and since they have deemed it all safe, they happily give out the names of the catfish companies. SO, where are the chickens and hogs?! I’d ask where the fish were, but I don’t think they are planning to track them after release . . .
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 9:33 am
“…to make a pulp out of raw veggies for my dogs which has included broccoli. Now I’m supposed to cook it instead of serving raw?!!”(Ally??)
I can well remember all the millions of questions I had when starting the home-made dog food journey,and the fear of feeding inadequately.The pet food companies/vets have done quite a job convincing us there’s no way we are capable of feeding our pets real food.
I have pulped raw broccoli,with other green veggies and some yams/garlic etc. for my raw recipes for the dogs for years.Not a problem.I also add apples,pits ,stems and all.Other fruits as well.And I have fed pieces of avacado.
I think lists like the one you posted,Shelly,are part of the learning process,and for that reason a good thing.I didn’t check out the link but get the gist from the comments being made about it.
I agree that quantity is the important factor.I feed whole eggs,shell and all,every day.My dogs are really healthy.
Some people also are adamant that garlic is bad for dogs/cats/horses.I’ve fed it to all 3 groups,in moderation.No problem.
But some of these foods are fed in huge quantities in order to produce toxic results in animals,and then put into lists to scare the bejeepers out of us.
Just keep reading,and questioning,search out sources you trust,and you’ll be fine.
I hope your pup rallies soon…maybe share some of your tequila?
Lorna.
Comment by Lorna — May 23, 2007 @ 9:33 am
Instead, I found THIS VERRRRRRY disturbing article!!!
——————————-
Cockfighting raid found roosters on meth
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:45 AM CDT
VAN BUREN, Ark. - The arrests of 81 people on felony charges at an illegal cockfighting arena over the weekend were no spur-of-the-moment thing, a prosecutor says, and occurred only after months of investigation that included sending officers to the site undercover to mix and mingle _ and place bets _ with the other spectators.
A tip from out of state in August led to the felony arrests and 61 misdemeanor citations Saturday at the 120-acre property hosting the cockfights in Crawford County, Crawford County Prosecutor Marc McCune said.
Acting on the information, police began using aircraft to fly over the property and take photographs, which showed a large building and multiple trailers. McCune said the trailers served as temperature-controlled shelters for the roosters.
McCune said investigators pored over Crawford County utility records to determine when electricity use spiked at the property, and found that occurred on weekends.
An Arkansas State Police trooper and an FBI agent went undercover into the fights, placing bets on the fights, the prosecutor said.
“They participated like they were anyone else in that arena, otherwise they would have stuck out like a sore thumb,” McCune said. …
… Those with roosters in the fight gave the animals methamphetamine, strychnine or vitamins to increase their stamina, McCune said. …
Entire article here: http://www.pbcommercial.com/ar.....9tido5.txt
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Ohhh, Folks!
I just heard the most wonderful news on our Portland news! FDA says that VIAGRA is also good for JET LAG!
Isn’t the FDA just wonderful, working to promote dangerous drugs, but ignoring poisoned food?
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 9:35 am
E - your press release is hysterical. LOVE it.
Just wish it weren’t so damn true.
Comment by Kim — May 23, 2007 @ 9:37 am
Elaine, is the consumeraffiairs article, as posted above, the same article Pine Bluff had? http://www.consumeraffairs.com.....all52.html
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:37 am
STuck the wrong link in — this one, is it the same. (sorry)
http://www.swtimes.com/article.....news10.txt
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:38 am
That’s from the Times Record, Ft. Smith
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Kat,
It appears to be the same article
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 9:42 am
Gosh, golly, ladies. Thanks for all the advice on brocolli. Very interesting as usual information that I did not know. Now I do. But I was being factitious. But thank you for all the information.
Comment by VJ — May 23, 2007 @ 9:44 am
Ok. Thanks. I was going to have you email it to me.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:45 am
E.Hamilton found the same article & posted too.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 9:46 am
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably
the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute
despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such
government, and to provide new guards for their future security. -
Declaration of Independence
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 10:08 am
On the homecooked meal: So I took my 90 lb Red Dobie into the vet - his urine was orange and I had taken him off Innova Dry because of his runny stools back in Feb. - two weeks of runny.
So, the vet asked what I was feeding my dogs now? Home cooked diet I answered. Well, be careful he said, be real careful. I am, I answered.
Then he said my dog looked too good - just so healthy. Your dog is not sick he said.
Okay, my healthy look too good dog has been eating homecooked for three months, but I need to be careful.
I understand. I really do.
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 10:14 am
E.’s got a good point…We do need soooo many changes.
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — May 23, 2007 @ 10:16 am
$10 says Diamond gets the results of their tests back on Thursday, they’re positive, and they recall late Friday. Because it’s always Friday.
Comment by Angie — May 23, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Recalls on Thursday evenings too Angie - I’ve had plans on several Thursday evenings in recent weeks that have been cancelled due to ‘unannounced’ recalls.
Comment by Kim — May 23, 2007 @ 10:26 am
On the radio this morning, two local AM radio show hosts (men) gave their opinions today on political change (slow) and the war. But really it was about the process of political change - and how very long and slowly it moves - and that is the reality we are faced with today concerning our food supply both for humans and for animals.
It has been my experience, and what I’ve learned in my many tedious policy making classes in a Political Theory MS program, changing government policy makers is a difficult if not an almost impossible task. That’s way when these “Windows” present themselves, the big push is on. What the FDA is trying to do is narrow the window. Not nice. But they have a vested interest in the status quo.
Because of the difficulty of changing policy and those windows that open and shut so quickly - and I mean very quickly - a strong message needs to be sent using our buying power - the dollar - we won’t buy this toxic waste any longer. The market will listen. It has to.
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 10:28 am
I was just reading the Declaration, and some other documents, because I wanted to refresh my memory and think about WHY I feel so betrayed by the country that I love.
Yeppers, they betrayed me all right.
Giving money and power to people and institutions who abuse you and the laws you elected them to uphold makes no sense.
I can say that reading the Declaration is a good place to start.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 10:36 am
Re: E. Hamilton’s post 8:58am:
So funny - thanks for the laugh. I too have succumbed to the disease. (still kind of sad though that we need to be so vigilant)
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Letting “the market” regulate itself is what got us into this mess. I have little confidence that hoping for better results using the same method, will amend the situation.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 10:53 am
I absolutely do not see how this country has survived the 1000 years it’s been around:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/.....htm?csp=34
WHAT IS WRONG WITH CHINA!!!!????
ARE THEIR BRAINS SO TOXIC THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELLO THEY ARE DOING????
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:00 am
None of it is easy. Both avenues are wrought with problems and we suffer and so do our loved ones and our pets. I am an idealist too but life has a way of putting my soles to the ground and accept at times the unacceptable. I may just need to head to the country and find “Dogpatch” and hope it doesn’t turn out to be Dogville (the movie).
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 11:02 am
Kat - life is cheap in China. I ask this same question over and over again and the sad pathetic answer is - life is cheap.
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 11:03 am
Pet food ingredients from China tainted with the mildly toxic chemical melamine were blamed in the deaths of dogs and cats in North America earlier this year, prompting a massive pet food recall and, eventually, an investigation in China.
ok, so now it’s “mildly toxic”?
“It is an open secret here that our manufacturers usually employ higher standards when it comes to exports,” it said.”
at first I felt sorry for the Chinese people, then I realized our government was doing the same . . . .
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 11:07 am
Is it just me or is the word “consumers” being used as code for sheeple , herds of docile cash producers, trained to volunteer for the shearing?
Didn’t Massa Lincoln FREE the slaves?
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:11 am
“Wednesday’s statement didn’t say what companies were being checked into, although the general manager of a company based in Jiangsu — Danyang Chengshi Household Chemical — said Tuesday he was being questioned by investigators.
Chen Yaozu said he had exported toothpaste containing small amounts of diethylene glycol to Panama — later shipped to the Dominican Republic — but said that was permitted under Chinese rules and did not pose a direct health risk. Diethylene glycol is primarily used to keep toothpaste moist.
The chemical is a thickening agent often used as a low-cost substitute for glycerin. It was blamed for the deaths of at least 51 people in Panama last year after it was mixed into cough syrup, another case with allegations involving China.”
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:13 am
Well, the difference in our gov vs theirs is they just don’t even seem to have a clue. Our gov. has a clue & they just allow it to continue.
Seeing what I just wrote is disturbing.
knowing vs. not knowing.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:15 am
So, WHEN might we be hearing that OUR toothpaste is tainted with antifreeze, used as a thickener?
Look for anything with glycerin & not use that now???
Cough syrup is a great place to look…
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:18 am
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:15 am
There is plenty to be disturbed about going around.
Stock up on tequila.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:21 am
It’s a good thing to be reminded of our ideals, to be reminded of what our country stands for and what we believe deep in our hearts about our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. Sometimes that’s all we have for hope, and also where we can turn for direction - for our courts and lawmakers too - oh yes, that’s what we stand for and that’s why we are a great country still.
I think some politicians forget the bigger picture. So, let’s remind them.
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 11:22 am
My take on this is that if my government is not hot on the trail, handcuffs at the ready, of the criminals that sold poison snake oil as premium pet food to a U. S. citizen then some adjustments need to be made.
Used to be that depriving someone of an animal, a horse, got the miscreant hung.
Might be time to get back to basics and get some new sherriff’s in town.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:21 am
Well, good idea, only I don’t drink. What a bore!
I know there’s lots going on…and on, and on.
I’m just sick to death of hearing about the Chinese contaminating much of everything now & their pathetic excuses!
—————-
“It is an open secret here that our manufacturers usually employ higher standards when it comes to exports,” it said.
However, the newspaper said that while some exported food didn’t meet international standards, the bigger problem was China’s domestic food safety situation. It called on the government to do more to protect Chinese consumers.
The Chinese government has always placed a heavy importance on food and drug safety,” the statement said. It said investigators would clarify the situation and apportion responsibility, and would announce their results as soon as they could be obtained.
————————
What is so bad, so sad — is
WE AIN’T EVEN DONE WITH THIS MESS AND OUR GOVERNMENT KEEPS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO KEEP ALLOWING THIS DAMN TRASH INTO OUR COUNTRY!!!
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Do we know yet what disclosure will be posted on the melamine chicken and hogs and fish and…..so we can avoid ingesting any of it being they don’t really know how we, our unborns, and our pet companions will be affected. I have several family members that are ill.. melamine and/or other tainted ingredients could further compromise their health and possibly their survival. ??? If applicable, has anyone checked with their legal counsel and appropriate labs for obtaining baseline readings.???
Comment by BEE — May 23, 2007 @ 11:30 am
After listening to what are “hot” topics and looking at legislation stacked up in committees, I think our best bet is to address pet food companies directly. With elections moving up closer & closer, I don’t think pets are on the agenda. Economics with China outweighs any concerns with our pets.
Time for a march on Washington or PFI or APPMA?
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Well I think our government wants China as a political ally if needed in time of trouble. Nothing else makes too much sense.
Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 11:33 am
What I’m wondering is, does anyone really have any idea what a “safe” dosage of melamine is? How do they know that the amount found in the catfish is safe? The pet foods recalled due to “cross-contamination” couldn’t have had very much melamine in them. Wouldn’t it have been trace amounts from the dirty machinery? But yet these foods were making animals sick. Something doesn’t add up.
Comment by EKO — May 23, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Without controls, the pet food companies will just do it again.
Trade with any country that ships poison by the metric ton is not all that good an idea to me, or any politician who wants my vote. What China does to address the issue is China’s problem.
We are ALREADY in a time of trouble and the practical advantage of slow poison for our entire planet is …debatable.
China might benefit, wonder if those wily orientals have thought of that?
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:44 am
The majority of catfish you purchase today at the grocery store is imported from China. (putting U.S. catfish farmers out of business)Ditto the frozen Tilapia. Interestingly Tilapia that is raised here in the U.S. - there is a big producer in my state of MN - is exported to Candada for the live market, and is shipped to China or the Phillipines for filleting, for the frozen market, and then it comes back here again. The rest is just raised in China. So if you eat frozen Tilapia, it has been to China, at the very least.
Comment by Kristi — May 23, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Speaking of FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach – he did an “opposite view” editorial in USA Today regarding the issues with Avandia.
Love this quote:
“The American public expects the FDA to be a strong, science-based agency that increases trust through open, clear communication — and acts based on a full understanding of as much scientific data as possible and not on snap or rash judgments. We strive to achieve the best for public health every day.”
Now, help me with this. Did we achieve any of these noted expectations in the pet food recall?
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped.....w_w_1.html
Comment by Donna — May 23, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Kim:
Nice to see you…..I only have three bottles this morn & need reinforcements. Ran out of limes, too.
When this is over (soon, please?), we can stop talking about tequila…..til then, raise our glasses & toast to the days when we can go back to our lives & buy pet food without having to worry about poisoning our babies. Which is why we have to drink to calm our nerves.
I think a few more foods will be deemed “cross contaminated” later this week. Have to stock up on limes because I bet more announcements are coming.
Cross contamination = we sprinkled these proteins like fairy dust on everything & that’s where we are today. Oh where oh where did we put all that stuff…..oops, found another bag of melafood.
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Donna:
That quote is great…..
“The American public expects the FDA to be a strong, science-based agency that increases trust through open, clear communication — and acts based on a full understanding of as much scientific data as possible and not on snap or rash judgments. We strive to achieve the best for public health every day.”
Excuse me while I go get sick.
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Eschenbach said that with a straight face?
That, my friends, is the poster child for lying politicians.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Re: E Hamilton’s description of the disease.
I am glad my symptons finally have a diagnosis—but the prognosis looks grim—will I outlive the poisoned food.
Enjoyed the immediate press release so much.
Comment by Evelyn — May 23, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
H-E-B has had Talapia from China on sale for weeks now.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Have some melapia with your wine…..
I still can’t get over that quote. I can’t stop gagging right now.
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
*Passes limes to JanC*
*Pulls another case of tequila out from under desk.
Okay, we’re set for drinks. I think there will be more ‘cross’ recalls this week too. :-(
Comment by Kim — May 23, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
OT: BIG CHEERS! for the Fed Ex guy!!!!
He just hauled 100lbs of FR meats up THREE flights of stairs for me!!!! Then he asked me how many dogs I had. I think he was a tad disappointed it was only 1, but the 5 cats did get me the “REALLY?” look ;)i did assure him it would last a couple months. wonder if he’ll be the lucky one that will be delivering my side of cow? lol!~
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
I have some tilapia in my freezer that I bought a month ago. I don’t think I can bring myself to eat it.
This whole mess feels like an episode of the X-Files.
“Trust No One”
“The Truth is Out There”.
Comment by EKO — May 23, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
Just called Colgate 800-468-6502
They don’t know where their ingredients come from. They come from all over. It’s proprietary information. They are worldwide.
I was calling about Colgate Regular. It’s manufactured in the US. I told her that doesn’t mean anything.
I told her I’ve been buying Colgate for nearly all my life & to continue buying their product then I want to know the country of origin of their product.
She couldn’t say so I said hear this — then THUMP! That was my tube of toothpaste going into the TRASH!!!
BTW: glycerin is the 3rd ingredient.
She kept trying to tell me that the toothpaste China makes is sold in China. She had no idea of what I was talking about in China exports.
errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
RE: Comment by BEE — May 23, 2007 @ 11:30 am
—————————
I can see the TV commercial:
Some kid’s hand comes in from the top of the screen holding a plastic pig.
[sound] snort! snort!
[voice] Welcome to the land of mela-porker, where the plastic pigs roam free. They are happy piggies eating mela-rice & mela-feed all day.
[sound] snort! snort!
[voice] Come into our kitchen for awile.
[sound] Screen door slams.
[voice] We’re cookin’ up some mela-bacon right now.
The child’s hand comes from the top & tosses down a round plastic disc, embossed as bacon.
[voice] yummmm! Smells goo—- uh, hey, kid! Are you burning plastic?? Watch out now! DON”T EAT THAT! Don’t break your teeth! OH, NO!! DON”T SWALLOW THE STUFF, KID!!!
[Next scene, voice] Hairy arm comes down from the top holding a plastic kid. Welcome to my kid’s backyard. Here, he plays with his mela-pets all day. Rover, the dog, Porkie, the pig, Early-bird, the chicken, & Sam-mon, the fish.
You can join in too — just take a BITE!
—-
Advertisement paid for by any major network & the Mela-Nutrient Board of Advisors. Manufactured in Xuzhou, China, distributed in the Every town, USA.
—-
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Trade policy trumps public health and well being with this administration every time!This is what happens when regulation is said to be the cause of the problem, when we all know what people will do for money, and the more desperate people are the lower they will go. The owners and upper management of the corporations are so wealthy that if they do go out of business it doesn’t pose a problem, they just change the names of the business and do it again. Without effective and punitive regulation poisoned people and pets will continue to be just “acceptable risk” which the corporation purchase insurance for! Our political and business leaders are the cause of the problem, unfortunately I think they’re just too corrupt to change!
Comment by Peter — May 23, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
After listening to what are “hot” topics and looking at legislation stacked up in committees, I think our best bet is to address pet food companies directly. With elections moving up closer & closer, I don’t think pets are on the agenda. Economics with China outweighs any concerns with our pets.
Time for a march on Washington or PFI or APPMA?
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 11:33 am
You, and I, and a couple of thousand other people have it in our hands to create a ‘hot’ topic! Citizens could write to the presidential hopefuls and ask them where they stand, what they are going to do about it and how much will it cost, and where do the funds come from.
Then post the answers here.
That’ll be a blast - Tequila, anyone?
The pet food companies are already at our mercy: remember, they have what we give them.
This household will not EVER buy anything Menu Foods, and any company who does not clearly, and reproducably, distance themselves from Menu is not on my shopping list, either. Anybody who is in with Menu is out of my house and wallet.
…. and I use everything that remotely looks like a soapbox to let everybody know what I think of Iams ‘for life’ Premium Food and their poison-cookers, Menu. (Some words are for mature audience only. Listeners discretion is advised.)
And our government/s (outgoing, incoming) can sign treaties with China ‘til their arms fall off: I don’t buy China. The government can’t make me. Neeener, neeener!
By the way: I found supplier for farm-grown, as un-poisoned as possible, foods. A little pricey, but how much costs the life of a loved one?
Comment by MaKo — May 23, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
The prices will get better when more of us buy the better grades of U.S. produced NATURAL food, don’t forget that the frankengrain Monsanto foisted off on this country is just as evil a poison. Don’t buy it, or milk with growth hormone.
The money you save on medical and vet bills alone will be worth it.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
Well, if our government fails to act and the PFI stays in control, then maybe the hope is that the suit gets approved as a class action against the companies for the pet food quality.
I don’t know… it just seems like there is a bulge at the carpet edge and this other lump is growing at the outside carpet corner - a perfect place to trip. A heck of a lot is getting swept under the carpet IMO.
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
Has anyone looked at the requirement to export pet food?
http://useu.usmission.gov/agri/petfood.html
Maybe we don’t need to recreate the wheel but if states would enact laws like that we’d be way ahead of where we are now.
Comment by Ann H — May 23, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
Very busy the past few days and haven’t had much time to read comments.
Soooo. I hope you all are contacting your Senators and Reps. about Food Safety S-1274 and H.R.2108.
NC Senator Richard Burr is interested. His office called me this morning. We had a rather lengthy discussion about the very issues we’ve been discussing on this blog. The person I spoke with was Dan Woodley.
Normally I just get emails and written letters to my emails and letters in addition to his regular newsletters. So this time is was really nice to talk with someone. He asked me a lot of questions. I made him promise to help keep this alive.
Anyone who has felt discouraged, please don’t give up. They are listening amid all the other “hot” topic issues going on. Tell them your concerns and how you feel affected by food safety. Be sure to mention both pet and human food. And please toss in your concerns about food and ingredients from China.
Comment by Kathi — May 23, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
Did you know that in several states it is *illegal* to sell raw milk?
And that the dairy industry - the ones who market pasteurized puss with added Bovine Growth Hormones and Antibiotica - are trying to push through a law that forbids farmers who produce milk *without hormones or antibiotica* to market that milk as such?
….Laaaaaand of the Freeeeeeeeeeee…..
There is a lot of room for improvement.
Comment by MaKo — May 23, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
elliott??? ya here?
http://www.basf.com/about/verbund.html
What Is Verbund?
BASF has long been recognized for making the most of its integrated approach to manufacturing, research and its overall management philosophy. This philosophy, together with the maximum integration of infrastructure, processes, energy and waste management, is known as Verbund, a German word meaning “linked” or “integrated” to the maximum degree.
In North America, BASF’s businesses and milestones reflect the application of this philosophy. Verbund provides competitive advantages because it represents more than simple integration. It represents entire interlocking value chains, from chemical building blocks produced primarily for BASF use to cyclically resilient specialty and fine chemicals that offer higher returns.
http://www.corporate.basf.com/.....AVVmbcp3ll
BASF-The Chemical ‘Co”
http://www.search.basf.de/en/s.....ring=china
BASF Group: BASF participates in Joint China-U.S. Green Chemistry Workshop
* * * * * * * May 2005: Workshop * BASF PARTICIPATES IN JOINT CHINA-U.S. GREEN CHEMISTRY WORKSHOP MAY 27 - 31, 2005 group picture BASF was an invited participant at the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded “Joint China-U.S. Green Chemistry Workshop” held May 27 - 31, 2005, in Beijing, China…
http://www.corporate.basf.com/.....AVVcbcp-Zw
BASIL™– The first commercial process using ionic liquids
If an acid has to be scavenged with a base, then formation of a salt is unavoidable. But why not form a liquid salt? This is the basic idea behind the BASIL™ technology. The abbreviation stands for “Biphasic Acid Scavenging utilizing Ionic Liquids.”
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.c.....=emailcode
5/23/2007 – Monsanto, Chromatin agree to develop gene-stacking technology
Biotech behemoth Monsanto has joined forces with gene technology expert Chromatin to develop ways of increasing the number of modified genes that can be inserted into crops such as soybeans and corn.
“BASF and Monsanto agreed in March to fund a pipeline of yield and stress tolerance traits for corn, soybeans, cotton and canola via a dedicated joint budget of potentially $1.5bn (€1.2bn).”
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
**********I’ll take that bet. They will release no news at all. The FDA has decided there isn’t any. End of discussion.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 23, 2007 @ 8:56 am ***********
Told (out of town) dh about the latest re: catfish; he asked “what did the FDA say?” I said “nada”. They aren’t taking questions any more. About anything. There are dogs dead from things that weren’t supposed to need recalling. Stores selling melapia (thx to whoever coined that term - my only smile today).
The last word I heard from the FDA before they signed off the air, was their request that the CDC monitor renal disease. DH says he no longer needs a cheat sheet from me to shop, because when he was at the store yesterday, he got to thinking about all this, and lost his appetite.
I will not voluntarily be a guinea pig. I am still working out the details on how to make that happen.
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
We’ve never eaten much tilapia here at the TC ranch. DH lived in Hawaii for part of his childhood, and said as he remembers it, tilapia was something they avoided, mostly because there was such a variety of great fish to sample, why eat that? He said it was not thought highly of at all.
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
What type of tequila goes well with melapia? Red or white? LIMES!! We don’t need no stinkin limes!
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
hi elliott-
i sent a dedication to you, it’s quite linky though :) it’ll be a while!
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
You can do tequila shooters with any food and melapia might be improved by the garnish of a worm.
And oh hell YES we need limes, what kind of barbarians do you think we are?
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Well… E., the FDA must think we are.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
Shelly - I passed out (ERRR I mean if fell asleep) for a while. Did you post about you findings at the vet?
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
http://www.businessweek.com/gl.....op+stories
Blog Trade Tackles U.S.-China Talks
Not much has leaked through the doors of the high-powered trade discussions, but that hasn’t stopped bloggers from doing their thing
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
hi elliott -
no i didn’t; just the huge post that’s caught right now and the ones below you.
His blood work is sick, (no crystals in pee). on pills and potion; i also requested a salmonella test be done on his poo so those results too should be in in 3-5 days.
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
What’s for dinner tonight? E.’s melapia. That’s it! I’m blaming E. for the crappy food tonight, and telling hubby the rest of you made me drink.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
http://www.businessweek.com/ap.....9JL2O0.htm
US hears blunt trade warning from China
I am personally in NO mood to receive warnings FROM China
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
“….said food safety was raised over breakfast by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt.”
ok….that’s funny
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
I am personally in NO mood to receive warnings FROM China
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
*hands Shelly a SUPER stiff drink*
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
“As large manufacturers such as Kellogg (K), General Mills (GIS), and Kraft (KFT) buy more from the country, China looks as if it ….”
You Three are So busted….
http://www.businessweek.com/bw.....ries_ssi_5
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
“Organic foods, of course, have been growing in popularity precisely because of these kinds of concerns with food safety. But organics are starting to come from China, too. Manufacturers including Dean Foods (DF) and Kellogg, as well as retailers such as Wal-Mart, are importing their organic strawberries, soybeans, mushrooms, and broccoli from China. “
(Page Two, same article)
BUSTED
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
oh - broccoli - china - organic -
uh oh…here comes the train…..
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
you mean to tell me China has organic certified fields for planting?! and what are they watering with?!
sorry, i’m not buying that all the *organic* produce out of China is in fact *organic*. where’s the profit in that?!
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
“you mean to tell me China has organic certified fields for planting?! and what are they watering with?!”
ummmm….melapee and cyanurpoo?
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
*melavomits*
Comment by straybaby — May 23, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
“Just called Colgate 800-468-6502
They don’t know where their ingredients come from….. errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!”
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
Kat, how do you REALLY feel?
maybe we can research toothpaste. get on their nerves too :) I have doggy toothpaste although I don’t use it. wonder what those ingredients are…
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
they make pet food - Prescription Diet and Science Diet products Colgate-Palmolive Co. …
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
The Chinese have gone all out to make the negotiations special.
The festive dinner starts with a serving of diseased cat kidneys in toxic waste sauce. Look how the crystals sparkle in the candlelight!
Spinach salad with e coli.
Botulism sorbet to cleanse a lot more than your palate.
Place cards are surrounded with the special chocolate bon bons made by Mars Masterfoods to commemorate the occasion, bon bons are filled
with rennet from the stomachs of slaughtered newborn bovines and the milk chocolate is made with enough growth hormone to induce breast cancer in a stone.
After dinner a gift bag of scrap melamine and a full hazmat suit, including face shield,
will be given to all attendees.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 23, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
ok - no more Colgate toothpaste for Shelly.
http://www.newsgd.com/culture/.....210061.htm
“Toothpaste producer Colgate said it would not recall its products amid reports …..”
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
E. - when I grow up, I wanna be just like YOU!!
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
I found something useful on a China site (blog?)
a mosquito killer - bug zapper light
do we have anything like this in the us that will kill these things? they get in my home every time I take the dog out > open the friggin’ door. I’ve been dust-bustin’ them. Would love to watch their disease carrying selves die OUTSIDE instead of in my dustbuster and biting me and my dog….
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
http://www.sinosplice.com/life.....mosquitoes
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
GINA ? are you on?
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
KAT-
More on Colgate…
and China and Colgate and China:
Over a decade of existence in China -timeline:
1991 Colgate Palmolive Signed With Guangzhou Jieyin Daily Chemical Plant And Guangzhou Economy Technology Development Group To Establish Colgate (Guangzhou) Company Limited.
1993 The first Colgate toothbrush and toothpaste in China was produced in Guangzhou.
1994 The manufacturing setup at Huangpu, Guangzhou went into operation Colgate launched the oral care education program ¡®bright smiles, bright futures’ Colgate commercial office setup in key capital cities to support rapid business growth.
1995 Colgate setup its commercial subsidiary Colgate Palmolive (Guangzhou) Company Limited, which started its operations in 1997.
1997 Palmolive Optima Horn Glair Nutrition Shampoo was launched.
1998 Colgate Total toothpaste was launched.
1999 Colgate products took the Number 1 market-share for the first time Fabric Softner ¨C Softlan and personal care product ¨C Protex launched Sales exceeded RMB 1 billion.
2000 Colgate Sanxiao Company Limited founded.
2001 Colgate launched ¡®Oral Care Smiling Project ¨C 2001 West Trip’ and just within five months, covered a remarkable five provinces, twenty-nine cities and numerous counties.
2002 Colgate Triple Action Toothpaste launched.
2003 Sanxiao became a wholly owned subsidiary of Colgate
2004 Colgate Proplus launched.
http://colgate.51job.com/cpfacts_cn.php
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Shelly - Thankx for the dedication! I truly feel special.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Just came back from lunch….melapia & white wine. I actually had steak today…..but some friends took me to a wonderful seafood restaurant a couple of weeks ago. One had melapia (we didn’t know then what we know now), I had scallops & can’t remember what the third one had. I tried melapia & thought it was pretty good. No more, thank you.
Shelly…..I didn’t understand your post about your dog. “Blood work is sick on pills & potion?” Sorry, don’t know what language that is but I’d like to know how your dog is doing without the jivetalk…..ha ha, oh I’m so clever today. It’s the tequila mixed with white wine……ooooooohhhhhhhh, headache tom’w.
Kim…..glad you have a case of tequila & limes. My gut is telling me this is going to be a bad week.
Comment by JanC — May 23, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
I forgot to mention on thing the first lady told me today at Colgate…
I told here about my concern that diethylene glycol has been substituted for glycerin. She says “that’s a separate ingredient”. She said she’d seen di… glycol (couldn’t say the word) before, but it hadn’t been substituted.
I politely (without TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT) said, oh, do you use diethylene glycol sometimes? She just said again that it was a seperate ingredient.
HMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
OK, here’s something else diStuRbinG!
I’ve been skeptical about QAI for a long time. I know they represent numerous foreign organic producers, etc.
Here’s what I just found:
Quality Assurance International (QAI)
http://www.qai-inc.com/0_0_0_0.php
As of 5-14-07, they have Certified Clients in these countries: USA, Canada, China, Eqypt, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Paraquay, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan
Here’s the only China Organic Handler/Processor, by QAI: http://www.qai-inc.com/pdf/9709.pdf
yummmy wheat noodles! If they are a processor, who are they processing for, using organic standards???
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
BEER works great for mosquitoes. I don’t remember the formula, but you pour beer into a yard sprayer attached to the hose, then spray all the bushes/shrubs.
I’ll see if I can find the link. It was on WOAI last summer.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
http://www.businessweek.com/ma.....027067.htm
Here is a little nugget and food for thought. J.R. Simplot and cloned beef. It will be in the animal food chain long before FDA/USDA approval for the human supply. IMHO.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Beer also works great on slugs who like to eat your flowers. Put some in recycled mayonaise jar lids out in your garden at night. The slugs crawl into the beer and croak. Not toxic but does the trick. Just be sure to pick it up in the AM so your dogs or kitties don’t get to it.
Comment by Ally — May 23, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
Beer also works great for rabbits in your yard (sorry - Gina). Gather a lot of male friends. Give them plenty of beer to drink. Have them pee around perimeter of yard. Works great. Problem is husband thinks we live in third world country. Neighbors with small children do not find this amusing.
Comment by elliott — May 23, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
China to Investigate Tainted Toothpaste
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Associated Press Writer
Published May 23, 2007, 10:37 AM CDT
http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....;cset=true
“Chen Yaozu said he had exported toothpaste containing small amounts of diethylene glycol to Panama — later shipped to the Dominican Republic — but said that was permitted under Chinese rules and did not pose a direct health risk. Diethylene glycol is primarily used to keep toothpaste moist.
The chemical is a thickening agent often used as a low-cost substitute for glycerin. It was blamed for the deaths of at least 51 people in Panama last year after it was mixed into cough syrup, another case with allegations involving China.”
?
“Wednesday’s statement didn’t say what companies were being checked into, although the general manager of a company based in Jiangsu — Danyang Chengshi Household Chemical Co. — said Tuesday he was being questioned by investigators.”
Comment by shelly — May 23, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
Yesterday I had found yet another article about antifreeze toothpaste, and they quoted an FDA dude saying they were checking into whether it was imported into the US.
I posted it at the time, I will try to look back and find it and post again.
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Couldn’t find the WOAI link. They’ve taken it down. :( I’ve been wondering what it was. Seems like you had to add something else to the beer.
anyway —
Found these — yuck, choke, puke. Goes along with the BusinessWeeks article on China organics…
http://www.organicconsumers.or.....a40105.cfm
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3887
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4998
“It is a challenge, however, to grow truly organic crops in a country that is home to the world’s most polluted soils, contaminated with heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides. Most of the fertilizers used in China are phosphate-based chemicals that are highly toxic and have high heavy metal residues. China uses nearly 400 kilograms of fertilizers per hectare of land, far exceeding the threshold of 225 kilograms per hectare set by industrial countries.”
WHO IS CERTIFYING THEM????
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Here is my post from yesterday with link about the toothpaste.
Another story about more toothpaste with antifreeze glycol as an ingredient.
http://www.iht.com/
In the olden days we brushed our teeth using salt or soda–but it isn’t as tasty as antifreeze toothpaste, I’m sure.
Comment by Elaine — May 22, 2007 @ 9:49 am
Comment by Elaine — May 23, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
That link, Elaine is their home page. Here are the search results. 8 articles:
http://www.iht.com/cgi-bin/sea.....cationdate
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Kashi has the QAI seal, but they are NOT listed on the QAI website.
Comment by Kat — May 23, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
***********“Chen Yaozu said he had exported toothpaste containing small amounts of diethylene glycol to Panama — later shipped to the Dominican Republic — but said that was permitted under Chinese rules and did not pose a direct health risk. *****
No direct health risk? Permitted under chinese rules?
Well, doesn’t that explain about all you need to know about the risks of buying products from these people.
No words for what I think of this.
Comment by TC — May 23, 2007 @ 10:19 pm
Exactly what ARE the Chinese rules?
Comment by Lynn — May 23, 2007 @ 11:05 pm
I dated a guy in high school who’s dad made glycol. The only thing I remember was that he told me it was in just about everything. I also remember the horrible smell from his small factory.
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts96.html
Comment by Tammy — May 24, 2007 @ 12:51 am
“It is a challenge, however, to grow truly organic crops in a country that is home to the world’s most polluted soils, contaminated with heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides.”
A CHALLENGE? I don’t know what fanatasy world the writer lives in, but I’d call it impossible. Crops that are planted on commercial farm sites and no pesticides/commercial fertilizers used are called *transition crops*. They’re not organic until the soil is clean. IIRC this takes a number of years to be certified truly organic.
Oh and then there’s the problem of the polluted air and water.
Comment by CathyA — May 24, 2007 @ 5:59 am
Don’t forget about the wild pigs CathyA ;)
Comment by Tammy — May 24, 2007 @ 6:12 am
And isn’t it great to be paying taxes for this wonderful “junk”. Not!!!!!
Comment by Trudy Jackson — May 27, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
I am disgusted that we Canadians have to watch all food products for Melamine or other added non food items added to the food that we assume is safe to eat.
We live in an Agricultural land and now we are living with imports from a country that doesnt have the same rules that our country did.
Comment by Carol Winters — November 1, 2008 @ 5:40 pm