Pentobarbital in Dog Food
Thought this may be of interest to some of you.
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This is cross posted with the permission of the originator.
Forwarded information:
FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine
Survey #1, qualitative analyses for pentobarbital residue
Nutro Premium
Proplan
Heinz products
Ol Roy
The above were just a handful from the list that were found to contain
pentobarbital residue. For the full list see the study.
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/efoi/DFreport.doc
FDA releases study on pet food
Reporter: Jamie Allman, News 4 | Allman Report page
March 11, 2002 10:05 PM
(KMOV) -- Ever since Jamie Allman revealed secret government tests on
dog foods were being conducted for the presence of a drug used to kill
animals, you've been waiting for word on what the government found. After
repeated pressure from News 4, the Food and Drug Administration has
finally released whether the drug pentobarbital is in some foods your dog
eats.
The FDA is announcing that almost half of all the dog food tested for
pentobarbital showed the presence of what is described as traces of the
drug. The FDA insists dogs are not in danger by eating food with traces
of pentobarbital in it. "While it may not have an immediate effect, there
really is no telling what will happen over time, which could cause some
liver complications," says Dr. Jay King, a veterinarian.
The FDA survey, which was conducted by the Center for Veterinary
Medicine, included popular brands chosen at random. Out of four samples of
Ken l Ration tested, all of them showed traces of pentobarbital. Out of 11
samples of Ol' Roy dog food tested, six showed traces of pentobarbital.
Out
of seven samples of Heinz dog food tested, three showed traces of
pentobarbital. And out of 24 samples of Purina products, three showed
traces of pentobarbital.
The FDA says the pentobarbital likely came from disabled or diseased
horses and cows, which are euthanized and rendered and allowed to be used
in pet food products. Despite suspicions that pentobarbital may come from
euthanized dogs and cats from animal shelters, the FDA says DNA tests on the
products show no sign of dogs or cats. The FDA also says just because the
samples showed traces of pentobarbital in 2000, does not mean the products
currently on the shelves contain pentobarbital.
Despite all the qualifiers, some veterinarians say they're still
concerned about the presence of pentobarbital in some pet food.
Dr Teresa Garden "None of us want to think that our animals are eating
these foods with these chemicals in them even as a small or trace amount.
So, yes, it is a source of concern," says Dr. Teresa Garden of the Humane
Society.
The FDA refuses to be interviewed about the tests, agreeing only to
answer written questions. When asked whether it will continue to allow
pentobarbital to be in dog foods, the office says it "does not intend to
take any further actions."
Dog food makers won't be forced to monitor pentobarbital levels and
won't be forced to notify consumers of the presence of pentobarbital. The
FDA says, "Manufacturers must list ingredients they deliberately add to
pet
food. Because pentobarbital is not deliberately added, it does not need to
be listed on the label."
All the pet food companies referred all questions to the Pet Food
Institute, which also declines to be interviewed. In a faxed statement,
the
institute writes, "Consumers purchasing dog food made by Pet Food
Institute members can feel confident they are feeding their pet a safe and
nutritious food."
