February 6, 2008
FDA Investigation Leads to Several Indictments for Importing Contaminated Ingredients Used in Pet Food
Contaminated pet food caused pet illnesses and deaths last year
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and chief executive officer, were indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2008, for their roles in a scheme to import products purported to be wheat gluten into the United States that were contaminated with melamine. These contaminated products ultimately led to a recall of more than 1,000 pet food products and resulted in one of the most complex recalls FDA has ever dealt with. To read the FDA press release in full, please go to http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01792.html .
FDA began its investigation on March 15, 2007, when it learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. FDA found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food. To read more about FDA’s pet food investigation, please go to http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.
Issued by:
FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855
Telephone: (240) 276-9300 FAX: (240) 276-9115
Internet Web Site: http://www.fda.gov/cvm