problems at PETCO

For those of you in affected states who buy your pet food there, you might want to rethink that.

This is the FDA press release -- the wire story I saw didn't list the states outside of Wisconsin.
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Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh dear.....that's very disheartening to hear. Poor management affects more than employees doesn't it?

Thanks for the update ((((((( candybear ))))))))


sabby

Thanks for the head's up. Sounds like an awful situation. I hope no one's pet becomes ill.

gg

Wow, is this only their own brand of food? The bulk treats? That's scarey. Hubby and I were going to stop there a couple of days ago to pick up treats, but luckily now we were too tired.

With regard to your signature graphic, I too am something of a grammar fussbudget...

Nice to meet a fellow grammar fussbudget -- there aren't very many of us here .

<font color="purple">...good thing we buy our food for our kitties at the grocery store.
(oh and sorry for ruining your days with my horrible grammar) </font>

Oh Boy! That's good to know... Thanks for the info candybear! I hope that no one's pet, here on PC, got sick from that food .
Lily

I baought a parakeet there, a baby one, but it was sick (as well as all the other birds) but you couldnt tell, so it infected my other parakeets and they all died because of some parakeet virus. My friend had the same experience

So how are we supposed to know whos pet food is safe and whos is not? Don't tell me we will have to result in feeding our pets table scraps ALL the time now...

I only buy my pet food from China :-)

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Perna said:
I only buy my pet food from China :-)

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Ooh, ooh, does it come with a free painted plastic food dish????

Shouldn't it have toxic levels of lead?

WHEW! Not in California... but just in case, next month I'm buying my dog and cat for from "the other" pet store.

<font color="purple">I don't know abot you guys, but I usualy buy my kitties food in the pet isle of my local grocery store. </font>

Well I guess I am going to have to change suppliers for dog food. It turns out we got our Science Diet dog good from the Joliet, IL, distribution center at the beginning of the month. With six dogs, it has all been eaten, and thankfully nobody got sick.

Thanks, Candy, for the heads up!

EJ

Absolutely, though that probably costs more.