|
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. |
