The Year in Review in Pet Food – Truth about Pet Food
In 2022, we only saw six different pet food recalls.
June 2022 – Freshpet (refrigerated) – Salmonella contamination – 2,160 pounds.
July 2022 – Primal Pet Food (raw) – Listeria contamination – 2,376 pounds.
July 2022 – Stormberg Foods (treats) – Salmonella contamination – 1,125 pounds.
September 2022 – Spot and Tango (cooked) – Salmonella contamination – unknown pounds (not disclosed by FDA).
December 2022 – Nestle Purina (can) – labeling error, a prescription dog food label was placed on a non-prescription dog food – unknown pounds recalled (not disclosed by FDA).
December 2022 – TFP Nutrition HEB Texas Pets Indoor Complete Cat Food (dry) – Salmonella contamination – 52,352 pounds.
By comparison, in 2021 there were 15 different pet food recalls; more than 8.6 million pounds of pet food was recalled.
Disgusting
One of the most shocking stories we reported on this year was regarding a lawsuit against Rachel Ray Nutrish pet food. DNA lab analysis provided in the lawsuit found dog DNA in the dog food. This lab analysis of this pet food – labeled as a Lamb Meal limited ingredient pet food – also showed it contained cow, horse, deer, pig, turkey, and trout (ingredients not listed on the label).
In January 2022 we learned of drowned livestock in Canada that were rendered into pet food ingredients (with no disclosure to pet food consumers).
In February we reported on Celebrity Chef Alton Brown eating ‘a big ol’ spoonful of Hill’s Science Diet’.
In March we reported on a study by ElleVet stating “39 percent” of pet owners have eaten their pet’s food. Pet owners “test the product on themselves first, with food (56%) and treats (53%) being the most common things pet owners will taste first.”
In April we shared information from an FDA Warning Letter issued to the pet treat manufacturer Pet Center, Inc. FDA found filthy manufacturing conditions at this facility.
In April the FDA issued Sunshine Mills a warning letter stating the pet food failed to implement preventive controls which resulted in excess vitamin D recalls.
In May and in October we shared some of the crazy ‘things’ pet owners found in their pet food as reported on Twitter.
In August we learned of animal body parts – that were heading to a rendering plant – spilling on NY highway.
In October we reported on an employee of pet treat manufacturer Platinum Pet Treats that was fired for exposing repackaging of expired and bug infested treats.
Regulations
We attended both the January and August AAFCO meetings, providing pet owners with highlights.
In February Dr. Sharon Center of Cornell University finally got FDA to agree to investigate Copper Storage disease in dogs connection to AAFCO’s lack of maximum of copper.
Also in February we published a white paper providing the legal descriptions of pet food categories and styles.
In July we submitted a Citizen Petition to FDA requesting pet food label disclosure of feed grade ingredients and providing legal evidence to why feed grade ingredients should be disclosed. We still are waiting for FDA’s response.
In September pet food consumers were finally provided a stakeholder meeting with FDA.
In December the state of Ohio passed a law prohibiting dead cats and dogs from being processed into cat and dog food ingredients.
Crazy?
In February we learned that Canidae pet food began placing ‘kibble refill stations‘ in various Petco stores.
In March we shared industry disclosures regarding ingredient shortages for manufacturers.
Also in March we reported on another DCM study released, stating a 20 year increase in grain free pet food sales did not equal a 20 year increase in DCM cases.
In April we reported on Ohio State veterinary school telling pet owners that rendered meat ingredients were better than fresh ingredients.
In August we investigated significant price increases in pet foods over the past two years.
In November we disclosed details within the Agreement Hill’s Pet Food has with shelters.
Also…
Early in 2022, and again in late 2022 – Mars Petcare purchased a pet food company adding to their LONG list of pet industry brands. In January Mars purchased the brand Nom Nom Now, and in November Mars purchased Champion (Orijen and Acana) pet foods.
And this year we provided a direct comparison of pet food to the human food classifications of processed or ultra processed foods.
Here’s to hoping that 2023 will be a year with better news to report to pet owners!
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2023 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.
