FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

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FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S.
Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary
conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in
Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District
Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and
pest contamination. The seized products 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. (The Act
uses the term “insanitary” to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread
and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the
facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

“We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and
unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company’s failure
to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility,” said Margaret O’K.
Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “Consumers expect
that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet
food as well.”

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and
supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of
animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food
is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable
packages and held under conditions that could affect the food’s integrity
and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the
PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water
and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be
washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly
wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16
affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should
contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer
complaint coordinators.

Filed under Animals |