FDA to Investigate Dangerous Pet Treats

The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up its inspections ofchicken jerky pet treats that are being imported from China as it continues to receive reports of dogs who have been sickened by them.

MSNBC recently reported that the FDA has begun analyzing samples of the imported dog treats for evidence of melamine and melamine analogs and diethylene glycol. These chemicals are often used in plastics and resins, and have tainted certain shipments of pet food that has sickened a number of dogs and cats since 2007

According to FDA Spokeswoman Tamara Ward, the organization has received 537 reports of dogs who ingested the treats and developed an illness afterwards. Of those 353 reports were logged in 2011 while 184 submitted so far in 2012.

Among the illnesses that pets have suffered in the days after ingesting the treats are kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome.

However, FDA testing on the pet treats – which are sometimes sold as chicken tenders/strips or chicken treats – has so far come up with no evidence of harmful melamine levels in the products. Despite this, the agency has issued three warnings about the treats in the last four years.

If you or a loved one has a pet who has been sickened by tainted pet treats, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.

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