Petfood recalls are becoming more common partially due to improved reporting methods, according to a spokeswoman for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Because of the Reportable Food Registry, the violations or problems are being reported to us, whereas before it was up to an inspection to find it," said Shannon Cameron, FDA spokeswoman. "Also, the agency has hired more personnel to follow up on complaints.”

FDA created the Reportable Food Registry in September 2009. The system mandates that manufacturers, packers and distributors of human food and animal feed report contamination or safety issues within 24 hours of detection. In addition, VIN News Service established an online recall center in response to complaints from veterinarians about the large number of recalls, which shows up-to-date lists of recalled feeds and veterinary drugs.