Pet Food Safety: Page 89

FDA wants food-safety law funds in fiscal 2012 budget

The US Food and Drug Administration wants the US government's fiscal 2012 budget to include US$1.4 billion in funds for FDA's food-safety law that guides FDA regulation in cases of petfood contamination, according to Bloomberg.com. In June, the US House voted to cut FDA’s fiscal 2012 food-safety budget by 10% to US$752 million, which FDA says would slow progress of Food Safety Modernization Act implementation.

PFIA confirms South African dog deaths from aflatoxin contamination

The Pet Food Industry Association in South Africa confirmed that dog deaths continued into May, after three dog food brands were ordered to be removed from store shelves in April due to aflatoxin contamination, according to reports. The Department of Agriculture ordered the Hi Pro, Buddies and Legends petfood brands be removed from store shelves, following the initial deaths of 12 dogs in Gauteng, South Africa.

AVMA issues alert for chicken jerky treats from China

In June, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association notified the American Veterinary Medical Association that CVMA had received reports of Fanconi syndrom-like symptoms in dogs, similar to those cases reported in 2007 by AVMA that were found to be associated with chicken jerky treats made in China. AVMA issued an alert to its members, recommending vigilance for any suspected cases in the US, as well as to state veterinary medical associations and allied organizations.

Video: 'Business Day with Terry Bradshaw’ includes segment on petfood safety

The cable TV show "Business Day with Terry Bradshaw" featured a segment on petfood safety in the June 18 episode. The petfood safety segment, sponsored by Extru-Tech Inc., discusses reasons why petfood safety is so important and covers measures being taken to ensure food safety, including the Food Safety and Modernization Act recently implemented by the US Food and Drug Administration.

AVMA publishes report on Salmonella in petfood

A report in the June 1 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association outlines recommendations for pet owners on how to avoid pets being sickened with Salmonella from petfood. The report, written by Kate S. KuKanich, DVM, Ph.D., details the circumstances under which Salmonella organisms are most often ingested and includes a history of Salmonella outbreaks associated with petfood and treats.

FDA unveils global food safety strategy

The US Food and Drug Administration unveiled its new global strategy for increasing food safety inspections under the Food Safety and Modernization Act. FDA's report, "Pathway to Global Product Safety and Quality," outlines four main approaches the agency will take to better monitor foreign food suppliers.

Proposed budget cuts may hinder FDA's food-safety regulation

Budget cuts proposed by US House Republicans to the US Food and Drug Administration would undermine the agency’s ability to carry out the food-safety legislation passed by Congress in December 2010, according to an article from the Washington Post. President Obama is seeking US$955 million for food safety at FDA in the fiscal year that starts October 1.

FDA seeks public comment on Food Safety Modernization Act

The US Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comments and recommendations on measures relating to the Food Safety Modernization Act, which requires manufacturers of food and animal feed to implement measures for safe production and mitigation of risks. The deadline for comment is August 22, and FDA said it expects the proposed rule to be published in fall 2011.

Bravo! recalls pig ear chew pet treats for Salmonella contamination

Bravo! issued a voluntary recall for select boxes of Bravo! pig ears chews because of the potential for Salmonella contamination. The recalled Bravo! pig ears were distributed to retailers on the East and West Coasts of the US between January 1 and February 28.

California, USA, petfood company recalls raw cat food for Salmonella

A California, USA, petfood company issued a voluntary recall of its raw cat food because the food may be contaminated with Salmonella. Primal Pet Foods of San Mateo, California, USA recalled its Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula, 4-pound chicken and salmon nuggets (UPC# 8 95135 00025 0) with a "best by" date code of 043112-17.

FDA to hold public meeting on Food Safety Modernization Act in June

The US Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting on June 6 to discuss the Food Safety Modernization Act with feed and petfood companies. The day-long meeting will take place at FDA's campus in White Oak, Maryland, USA.

Biomin survey finds mycotoxins present in raw materials and feed

Biomin conducted a survey on the presence of mycotoxins in raw materials and animal feed, which found that mycotoxins are, more often than not, present. Out of the more than 3,300 samples tested during the 12-month period from January to December 2010, 78% tested positive for mycotoxin presence.

Page 89 of 94