Editorializing about melamine
By Christie Keith
May 24, 2007
A spate of editorials about the melamine contamination of pet and human food came out tonight. Have a few opinions, for once without commentary from me:
First, from North Dakota’s Forum:
The inspection system is so inadequate that even pet food containing Chinese ingredients and processed in Canada got into the United States and sickened or killed hundreds of animals. The pet food was infused with melamine, a toxic substance that indicates the food contains high-quality protein. Pet owners in the United States bought top-name food for their animals and got poison. Just this week Chinese toothpaste sold in Central America was found to contain a deadly chemical. No word yet if the toothpaste is marketed in the United States.
But it’s not just about pet food and toothpaste.
In recent weeks livestock originating in China has been quarantined either for disease or chemical contaminants banned in U.S. livestock. A report a few weeks ago found catfish fillets from fish raised in China’s giant aquatic farms were tainted with bacteria and heavy metals.
Those examples are among the few inspectors caught. In realty, Americans strolling through their food market have no idea if meat or fish or anything else imported from China is clean and safe because food safety regulations are not enforced and port inspections are hit-and-miss at best.
While most American grocers are responsible business people who put their customers first, some are not. Wal-Mart, for example, has quietly but effectively led a campaign opposing tougher food safety regulation, port inspections and country of origin labeling. Wal-Mart is the nation’s largest food retailer. Its clout has an enormous effect on the U.S. food supply. The company is China’s eighth-largest trading partner; some 10 percent of everything (including food) imported into the United States from China was imported by Wal-Mart in 2004.
The Houston Chronicle:
The recent incidents involving China highlight the role of our own government in protecting food safety in the face of globalization. Only about 1 percent of imported food receives physical inspection by the FDA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the two agencies charged with various aspects of food regulation.
It is worth remembering that food safety at home is not all it might be. Last year spinach contaminated with E. coli virus caused illness and death. David Kessler, former director of the FDA, recently told Congress: “Our food safety system in this country is broken.”
And last, from Mississippi’s Clarion-Ledger:
Our state’s “zero tolerance” for illegal substances in human food and our testing of imports are critical to protecting consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration only tests about 1 percent of all the food imported into the United states. Even at that minimal level of scrutiny, the FDA has found a variety of banned drugs, illegal chemicals and pathogens in fish imported into the U.S. from China.
What amount of a carcinogen, dosage of a banned drug, or exposure to a pathogen is acceptable in the food we eat? Commissioner of Agriculture Lester Spell is absolutely correct to say “none.”
Consumers should not be asked to take risks by eating catfish or any other food. This is not a political matter; it is a matter of health.
Guess the bloggers aren’t the only ones who are “off the charts.”
Off The Charts =
“Angelle Thompson, a pet food nutritionist and chair of the national pet food commission created by the Pet Food Institute, says that “Pet food companies always exceed minimum requirements. So, while this nonprotein source is not a good thing, it’s unlikely to have caused a nutritional deficiency.”
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05.....og_t.shtml
I guess that’s why the KY agriculture testing of dog/cat food had several samples that didn’t pass the testing.
http://www.rs.uky.edu/sections.....letins.php
“always” is therefore a media spin - so much for the National Pet Food Commission solving anything.
Comment by Ann H — May 24, 2007 @ 3:49 am
Copy for fellow bloggers:
Letter sent to: von Eschenbach; Johanns; Acheson; M.Rogers; K.Peterson; S.Sundlof; W.Batts; D.Elder; D.McChesney
The FDA halted the twice-weekly press conferences this week stating there was no new information regarding the pet food recall and melamine contaminated feed.
As we have just witnessed yet another recall issued, it appears this situation is still not under control and now there are no channels of communication available for either the media or the public to be informed of what action is being taken to resolve this crisis.
In a USA Today guest editorial, Dr. von Eschenbach referred to the FDA as an agency that increases trust through open, clear communication. Yet, there are still many questions from the public that remain unanswered. As a result, it is extremely difficult to have any “trust” in the agencies established to protect us, the pet food companies feeding our companion animals or the exporters/importers who have no regard for safety. Some of the remaining questions are:
- When will we be certain that all pet food contaminated with melamine (or any other yet to be discovered culprit) be off the shelves and out of warehouses?
- Explain the protocol a pet food company will follow in handling and disposing of the recalled products? What is being done with the contaminated pet food once it is removed from store shelves and warehouses? Will this contaminated product be sold as livestock feed again? Will it be destroyed?
- Why is USDA/FDA unwilling to name companies who distribute chicken and pork products where melamine-contaminated feeds were used? Agencies involved with overseeing the pet food recall all have FOIA principal contacts at their respective agencies (Agriculture, Commerce, Health & Human Services, FDA, Homeland Security, Customs & Border Protection). Should we consult them for this information?
- If 46 shipments of vegetable protein have arrived from China since 4/27/07, why have they not been tested at port of entry by FDA? It would seem this would be priority due to the pet food recall. Why wait for exporters or importers to do something they have shown no responsibility for thus far?
- Is the FDA absolutely certain that melamine is the only contaminant responsible for pet deaths?
- Why are we (U.S.) continuing to accept imports from China when there are no quality control and safety measures in place to ensure that no future contaminated ingredients or products are sent to our country?
- Why are there no consequences for countries who export contaminated ingredients or products to the U.S.? Why do we place our own citizens and pets in jeopardy?
- Why is the FDA downplaying the toxicity of melamine to the public, yet warning all FDA employees about toxicity, in addition to prohibiting pregnant FDA employees from even working with the chemical?
- When testing for melamine, at what level (ppb) must be registered before the FDA/USDA will declare a food product to be unsafe?
- When will additional information be available for the public regarding the fish hatcheries that fed melamine-contaminated feeds?
The Mission Statement for the FDA states the FDA is responsible for:
- protecting the public health by assuring the safety and security of our nation’s food supply
- helping the public get accurate, science-based information they need to use foods to improve their health.
We are simply looking for information that will, in fact, assist us in making the best possible decisions regarding the safety of food products for our families, including our pets. I hope you will be able to fulfill the mission of your agency by providing accurate, timely information.
Comment by Donna — May 24, 2007 @ 6:23 am
Just threw away two tubes of Colgate Toothpaste—dist.by N.Y.—where was it made?
I am travelling a good distance to get California Natural by Natura, but Petco and Petsmart (near my home) do not carry that brand.
I will avoid Chinese food products I know about it—even “organic” Chinese foods.
The present government is only interested in killing some of the global population, if it does not meet the standards of being wealthy and powerful. Strong words, but I am a peon and will have to work hard to stay away from poisoned foods for me and my two sweet old cats, as well as my husband, of course.
Comment by Evelyn — May 24, 2007 @ 6:29 am
Gina, lol, love your use of “spate”.
Good morning to everyone! Got to go put on the extra-large pot of coffee to get ready for todays sessions of no new news……
Comment by Sandi K — May 24, 2007 @ 6:34 am
This was put on Nutro’s site must have been late because I checked it before bedtime and it wasnt there:
http://www.nutroproducts.com/mfrecall.shtml
You will feel assured that after all the testing for melamine (doesnt say cyanuric acid, etc) that they feed it to cats and dogs as a final check for other purposes…..
Comment by Sandi K — May 24, 2007 @ 6:53 am
I know what my cat would say to the FDA.
Comment by Jill — May 24, 2007 @ 7:12 am
President Bush will hold a news conference at 11:01 ET on Thursday from the Rose Garden, The White House said.
The president is expected to make his case for Iraq war funding legislation and for an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy, the White House said. The event will be streamed live on MSNBC.com.
perhaps some questions regarding our food situation could be asked by reporters also.
Comment by Deborah — May 24, 2007 @ 7:20 am
Comment by Evelyn — May 24, 2007 @ 6:29 am
Be sure to let Colgate know why you discarded their product.
Comment by Donna — May 24, 2007 @ 7:43 am
An ALARMING report about the new HPV vaccine the govt is trying to mandate for all girls!
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/n.....E_ID=55844
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 7:49 am
“So, while this nonprotein source is not a good thing, it’s unlikely to have caused a nutritional deficiency.”
No nutritional deficiencies — they just died.
Comment by Donna — May 24, 2007 @ 7:49 am
Could President Bush, Senator Byrd, or others in control of our destiny pls let us know what their pets eat these days??. If home-cooked meals are served, wonder if they might share the recipe(s) and where they buy supplements, vitamins, etc..
Bush is speaking now …
Comment by Bee — May 24, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Another good editorial from the Clarion Ledger, from May 18 (note that this paper’s stories evaporate after seven days).
http://www.clarion‘Contaminated’ food products must not be imported
An excerpt:
- Paul
Comment by Paul — May 24, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Sorry, messed up the link. Here it is again:
‘Contaminated’ food products must not be imported
- Paul
Comment by Paul — May 24, 2007 @ 8:04 am
Comment by Paul — May 24, 2007 @ 8:04 am
Paul - If that guy, Keith King, told me his catfish were safe, I’d most likely believe him.
Comment by Ann H — May 24, 2007 @ 8:18 am
Wonder if Congress and The President have approached China to establish a trust fund under the control of a US Corporation to pay out relief to persons and pets wronged and caused grief by China’s improper and incompetent handling of products placed in our food chain, etc….maybe the Gates Foundation could manage the fund properly.
Comment by Bee — May 24, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Did the President address our country’s food chain issues which are more important than other dangers at hand…no citizens, then no problems. COOL
Comment by Bee — May 24, 2007 @ 9:03 am
Here’s why I’m not too keen on chicken coming to us from China. Nor am I too keen on our chickens going to China for processing. This avain flu has been going since 5/19/07.
I hope this works, as I don’t know how to do a tiny url.
http://hsiz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/w.....p;lang=eng
Comment by PegH — May 24, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Cyanuric Acid - Test Result
http://www.itchmo.com
Comment by Ann H — May 24, 2007 @ 10:57 am
Comment by Ann H — May 24, 2007 @ 10:57 am
Cyanuric Acid - Test Result
http://www.itchmo.com
This is such an important story about IAMS kibble. I hope petconnection picks up on it very soon.
Comment by Maureen — May 24, 2007 @ 11:18 am
Hey - it’s (non)FDA briefing Thursday. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to ask them about a few things today?
::sigh::
Comment by Kim — May 24, 2007 @ 11:21 am
Comment by Maureen — May 24, 2007 @ 11:18 am
This is such an important story about IAMS kibble. I hope petconnection picks up on it very soon.
I was just thinking the same thing. If Itchmo can verify it in an unopened bag that will be a huge story.
Comment by Brandi — May 24, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Hey - it’s (non)FDA briefing Thursday. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to ask them about a few things today?
::sigh::
Comment by Kim — May 24, 2007 @ 11:21 am
Actually, it is better for my blood pressure than to watch them trivializing burning questions, shrugging off threats to me and mine, dismissing my concerns and *protecting big business with MY money*.
(gnash)
Comment by MaKo — May 24, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Brandi and Maureen - I posted itchmo’s report, and am adding links and comments (where I have permission) from folks that have reported Iams illnesses/deaths from dry food.
All he** is about to break loose.
MaKo - good point.
Comment by Kim — May 24, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Everybody take a drink of tequila!
We can actually enjoy it a bit today because no “dreading of the lies” stomach clench will spoil the day.
Go itchmo! Go get em!
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 24, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
comment by Elaine
I did e-mail to Colgate-Pamolive Co. and told them I threw out two tubes of their toothpaste because of poison from China.
Asked why their American products had to be imported from China.
Comment by Evelyn — May 24, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
If the freemarket economy exists via the operation of consumer’s “elightened self-interest.” How can the U.S. Government not INSIST on country of origin labeling for food products? We are UNABLE to act in enlightened self-interest if we don’t have, and can’t find, the data we need to make an informed purchase.
Comment by Kristi — May 24, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Go to this site to see President Bush continually delaying country of origin labeling. http://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/
Comment by Kristi — May 24, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
I asked Tyson a few questions, and *someone answered me* and actually it looks as if he went to great lengths to find me the answers.
My first email was the question if Tyson has/owns any pet food companies.
The answer:
Tyson Foods does not own a pet food; however, we are a supplier of protein to pet food companies.
That made me uncomfortable, because in the meantime - thanks to other posters here - I had found out about River Valley Food. Therefore I wrote back and asked if he is *sure* about Tyson not having/owning any pet food companies.
The answer:
Yes, I am sure. The River Valley plant is a rendering plant—-we have a total of seven poultry rendering plants. The plants process inedible poultry parts into the protein that is sold to pet food companies. The Specialty Products is the name of the division.
Thanks for your follow-up.
Since that sounded like a living, breathing person, I ventured on with these questions:
Thank you for clearing that up.
Not to stress your patience, but can you give me any hints if
A) Tyson received and/or fed any of the melamine-tainted feed products, and
B) what, please, is the pet food company where Tyson (River Valley) is supplying the protein to?
Due to the pet food scandal I am starting to become aware of the incredible amount of food products from China with not quite a reputable standard, and I am trying to make educated decisions how to keep me and mine as healthy as possible.
I thank you for your kind consideration
That was yesterday evening, and a few minutes ago I received an answer:
Tyson Foods, Inc. does not buy wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate from China. Additionally, Tyson requires a pure food guarantee from its ingredient suppliers.
I spoke with the Specialty Products Director of Sales. He related that we supply protein to almost all of the pet food companies. Remember, we are supply the “meat” or protein—not the other ingredients.
——————-
That actually makes sense. It sounds true, and it sounds as if Mr. Barber (the person I emailed with) did not simply send out a form blabla letter, but asked and verified.
I’m still not the trusting person from before, but there is a good chance that Tyson is back on the shopping list.
Comment by MaKo — May 24, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
“Tyson Foods, Inc. does not buy wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate from China. Additionally, Tyson requires a pure food guarantee from its ingredient suppliers.”
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Menu Foods didn’t buy wheat gluten from China, either… they bought it from ChemNutra, an American company…
What is a “pure food guarantee”? A piece of paper?
I’m not saying Tyson is being evasive, but it would be nice to get straight, unambiguous answers from these companies…
Comment by David — May 24, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Not so fast, MaKo,
Notice how he changed the subject on you, He just said they do not buy wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate from China!
He also basically refused to answer what pet food companies bought their product. I am sure it can’t be that big a list that he couldn’t tell you.
“Additionally, Tyson requires a pure food guarantee from its ingredient suppliers.”
Besides for that, I sure would wonder what a pure food guarantee would guarantee? We know that China doesn’t mind at all mislabeling, so why would they mind signing a “pure food guarantee”? If they did so and worry about honesty, they probably had their fingers crossed behind their back.
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
MaKo,
Besides for all that,remember when they said that the melachickens were owned by small chicken farmers, and they then amended that to say the chicken farmers were growing chickens for a big company?
Tyson foods has what they call a “vertically integrated” business, in which they contract with chicken farmers to provide them with chickens.
So, guess who probably sold the melachickens to us unsuspecting consumers? Tyson! And— Tyson is one of the big 4 meatpackers that has control over the USDA and FDA, and uses that control to put family farms and ranches out of business!
THAT is why USDA/FDA wouldn’t give out the name of those that sold melachicken! Remember they did give out the name of the smaller hog growing company in Calif? And the fish hatcheries? But not the big transnational conglomerates!
Sorry about the rant, but this is one of the sore subjects with us family ranchers.
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
MaKo,
I hope you don’t take my rant as being critical of you——I thought your exchange with the Tyson Food person was very good.
I just can’t help but try to make others aware of what the BIG 4 are doing to agriculture.
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
David, Elaine:
You are correct - those questions could and should have been answered less ambiguously.
Let’s put it that way: Tyson is ‘on probation’; I need to find out more about their China connection and several other things.
Until then, they’re off the list (and it looks as if I will have access to free-range, totally American chicken, therefore the issue is not that urgent for me right now).
Thanks!
Comment by MaKo — May 24, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
My rant is lost in cyberspace right now, will appear later, I hope.
You can ask questions of these companies or USDA/FDA until you are blue in the face, and still never get complete, unambigious answers.
All we can do is try.
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Oh crap.
Was just looking through the site on COOL that Kristi posted, and found this:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/cool/Q&A.htm
“The Farm Bill amended the Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations by September 30, 2004, to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of beef (including veal), lamb, pork, fish, shellfish, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts beginning September 30, 2004. The 2004 Appropriations Act delayed the applicability of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. The law defines the terms “retailer” and “perishable agricultural commodity” as having the meanings given those terms in section 1(b) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 (PACA)(7 U.S.C. 499 et seq.). FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED AS ARE COVERED COMMODITIES THAT ARE INGREDIENTS IN A PROCESSED FOOD ITEM.”
(caps mine)
I’m reading this to mean that kibble products would not be covered by COOL even if it IS enacted.
Crap.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — May 24, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
Mandatory COOL is a good beginning and will give us the info we need to make choices in the food we feed our families.
We will still need to be proactive, read labels, and if the info isn’t on the labels, call the companies and ask for proof of the COOL of their ingredients.
I am quite sure that if we have enough horsepower to get COOL enacted by Sept 2007, that we will create a momentum to get other food reforms passed.
We will also vote with our dollar! I would bet very few of the posters on this blog will but ANY food items from China!
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
That’s the problem, Elaine… right now, the consumers who care about this stuff are a mere fraction of a percent…
Comment by David — May 24, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
You are right, David
Just like the fraction of a percent of food imports that get inspected.
Most folks are more concerned about who will win American Idol! AAagghhh!!!! (As Lucy would say)
Comment by Elaine — May 24, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
“So, while this nonprotein source is not a good thing, it’s unlikely to have caused a nutritional deficiency.”
That’s nice, but I don’t really care.
Comment by Pamela J. Betz-Baron — May 25, 2007 @ 7:57 pm