FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center
(http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01854.html)
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:23:00 -0500
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.
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center
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 (http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html)
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