Through a request for freedom information (FOIA), we were told that in 2014, the FDA was asked for the Trade Association Pet Food Institute (PFI) for input on a video produced for Pet food consumers. Association for Truth in Pet Food and Truthabouttfood.com was not asked to participate in the development of this video. Only the industry invited by the FDA.
The document we received via the FOIA request was apparently the third communication between PFI and FDA regarding the video. It seems that PFI suggested several previous edits that were accepted by the FDA. Quote e -mail from PFI to FDA: “PFI appreciates the effort to get pet food video” right. ” The changes in this latest version remove much of the language and images that were of concern in the previous versions. “
But PFI wanted the FDA to make even more changes in the consumer video. “PFI strongly encourages the FDA to record the audio track for two segments of pet food video to replace statements that are alarmistic and in proportion to the risk of pet food.”
Changes proposed by PFI for the FDA …
FDA -Script:
“Most pet foods are safe, but sometimes pet foods and sweets can be contaminated with bacteria that can not only make your pet sick, but you are sick. Salmonella is perhaps one of the most famous bacteria that can be found in pet food or on pets, but that's not the only one.”
PFI suggested edits:
“Pet food is designed to provide safe, healthy nutrition for your pet. When managing food yourself or your pets, you should practice good hygiene including washing of hands, bowls and gear.”
Pet Food Institute's proposed edits were to remove the mention of salmonella and any mention of other potential bacteria that have historically been found in pet food.
Another proposed editing …
FDA -Script:
“Pollution of salmonella and other types of bacteria may not be often, but it happens. On average, 60 pet foods or treats products every year due to salmonella pollution. Human food -borne disease can be caused by contact with contaminated pets or candy. In a recent outbreak, more than 20 cases of human disease were linked to dog food
PFI suggested edits:
“Pet manufacturers are responsible for preventing bacteria from contaminating pets and pet treatments when processed. Food -borne disease can be caused by contact with contaminated pet food or sweets.”
PFI knew the FDA's facts about the average number of salmonella -recalls each year was “Alarmist“And wanted the FDA to remove all the mentions of actual human diseases linked to pet food. Perhaps PFI wanted this human disease facts to be removed because pet food brand FDA refers to is a PFI member; Diamond Pet Food. At that time reported CDC: Reported: “During February 1 – May 31, 2012, a total of 22 cases (20 cases in 13 states and two cases in Canada) were reported by human infections with the outbreak strain.”
And the FOIA documents show that PFI wanted FDA to completely remove the entire section of the script …
PFI suggested removal:
“Bacterial pollution is a potential problem with pet food, but there are others such as pollution with chemicals or toxins or including too much or too little of certain ingredients during manufacture. Although these pollution may not harm humans, they may pose a serious risk to your pet.”
Again, the Pet Food Institute considered that the FDA was actually with pet owners regarding various potential problems in pet food was “Alarmist“Or maybe PFI was worried about another of their members; in January 2013, Purina Waggin Train Dog Treats was recalled because they contained illegal antibiotic residues and linked to many pet diseases and deaths (along with other marks of jerky candies).
The good news is that the FDA did not implement PFI's third proposed edits. None of the above edits were added or removed from the video. But … FOIA request provided did not provide PFI's previous editing requests, that is We do not know how much influence the Pet Food Institute had over the FDA video.
Click here to see the FDA video on Youtube.
Click here to see the entire FOIA request; Included are several pages with PFI: See -Post and scripts with proposed edits.
And by the way …It took the FDA five years to provide this FOIA request to us.
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author buyers watch out, co -authors dinner pawsible
Truthabouttfood.com
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