US Marshalls Seize Pet Food Products at Petco
US Marshalls seize pet food products at Petco distribution center
Late last month, at the request of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Marshalls seized various petfood products stored under unsanitary conditions at the Petco Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Illinois, USA. US Marshalls seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized pet foods violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions, based on standards for pet food supplies.
During an FDA inspection of a Petco distribution hub in April 2008, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May 2008 and found continuing and widespread infestation. Kevin Whelan, a Petco spokesman, said after the FDA inspection in May, the company "acted aggressively to address any concerns that were raised."
According to the FDA, there have been no reports of pet illness or death associated with the consumption of any pet food distributed by Petco and the government body has no evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food’s integrity and quality and have an adverse impact on pet nutrition.
