03.12.15

Durbin, Feinstein: FDA Needs To Investigate Allegations That Purina Beneful Dog Food Contains Toxins

[WASHINGTON, DC] – In a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) called on the agency to quickly investigate claims that Purina PetCare Company's Beneful dry kibble dog food contains toxins which may have sickened thousands of dogs. Media reports cite 3,000 complaints about dogs that are sick after consuming Beneful dry kibble.  Some reports allege the kibble contains toxins like propylene glycol, which is used in automobile antifreeze, and mycotoxins, toxins produced by grain fungus.

“In light of recent reports claiming that Nestle Purina PetCare Company's Beneful dry kibble dog food contains toxins that may have sickened or endangered thousands of dogs, we are asking for an update on the agency’s implementation of a 2007 law enacted to help prevent contaminated pet food from reaching animals,” the Senators wrote.


“The components of the law that FDA has implemented are important to the public and veterinarians, namely the searchable online recall list posted on the agency’s website.  While improving communication is important for pet owners and veterinarians, FDA has not issued clear guidance to industry on reporting requirements, ingredient and processing standards, and labeling improvements. To put it frankly, the proper food safety system Congress fought to develop has not been put in place by the FDA.”

 

Previously, Durbin has advocated for the FDA to update its regulation and inspection process for pet food. In 2007, he added provisions to the FDA’s Amendments Act requiring the agency to set ingredient and processing standards for pet food, strengthen labeling requirements, establish an early warning system for contaminated food products, and improve communication with the public and veterinarians during recalls including a searchable online recall list posted on the agency’s website. Durbin’s provisions also required companies to report contaminated food and make key records available during investigations so contaminants can be traced without delays.

The toxins that have been allegedly linked to Purina PetCare Company's Beneful dry kibble dog food could lead to consequences such as weight loss, internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, even death.

 

A copy of the letter is available HERE.