What the FDA knows and won't tell you

What the FDA knows, and you don't: The FDA knows the two remaining companies who received shipments of contaminated rice protein concentrate and won't name them. I know, because when I asked them on Thursday at their press conference, they refused to name them.

What the FDA doesn't know, and should: First it was wheat gluten from China, sold in the United States for human or animal use, and used, as far as we know but without certainty, only in the production of pet food.

Then it was corn gluten from a different Chinese source, sold in South Africa, and used in pet food, where it has caused illness and death in large numbers of pets.

Then it was rice protein concentrate, from yet another Chinese source, sold in the United States, and used in pet food. Some of this found its way into livestock feed, as well.

Three sources, all in China. Three different products. All contaminated with melamine.

Hey, FDA ,I'm curious. On Thursday Dr. Sundlof said they were aware that contaminated corn gluten had been shipped to South Africa, but had no evidence any had come into the US. Which makes me wonder, what's your basis for saying that? Since all three of these known incidents involved three different protein sources from three different companies, well - does the phrase RED FLAG mean anything to you?

You told the reporter from Advertising Age at the press conference on Thursday that at this time you hadn't looked into whether other US companies had received contaminated corn gluten from China, as South Africa did. You were vague about plans to test corn gluten, and any other protein powders and concentrates imported from China.

I suppose I'm a really strange person, because I'd like to make up my own mind about whether or not I want to risk buying something that may or may not contain a contaminant that can kill my dog or cat. Or, you know, me, since I'm also quite fond of being alive, and extremely attached to my kidneys.

So, would you please tell me the name of the other two pet food companies who you know received the contaminated rice protein concentrate but who so far have not seen fit to tell us themselves?

Also, would you please test all protein concentrates coming into the US from China?

And if it's not too much trouble, would you please name the company that sold the contaminated corn gluten in South Africa, and check on whether or not they sold any to the United States, and if so, to who? And what was done with it?

I'd really like to know. But more to the point, I actually think it's your job to tell me:

The Food Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (U.S.C. Title 21, Chapter 9): "The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation."

Comments

[Shari Mann]

"The California Department of Food and Agriculture imposed the quarantine [on Ceres hog farm] Thursday after records from Diamond Pet Food's Lathrop facility showed it sold salvage pet food to the farm for pig feed earlier this month" Olivia Munoz, AP 04-20-07 appearing SFChronicle.

Question: Is it perfectly legal to sell any and / or all of the recalled pet food to livestock farmers? The above-referenced article notes that "California offials are not inspecting any other farms."

Question: Is it legal for Ceres, or any other hog farmer to sell pigs with melamine in their urine, pigs determined unsafe for humans to consume, to pet food manufacturers?

Uh-oh.

[Liz]

Fantastic post. I'll be linking--I still don't think this issue is getting enough attention.

[laurie]

Hi Christie - I linked this post in the Pets category over at Blogher: http://blogher.org/node/18563

Thank you for your comprehensive coverage. We have many concerned readers in our community.