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FDA asks for Public Comment
- 7-29-2010
- Categorized in: Pet Food Recall, Pet Food Regulations
The FDA is planning to implement an initiative called "The Pet Event Tracking Network" that will allow FDA and State partners to exchange information about outbreaks of illness associated with pet food. Comments are welcome until September 27, 2010 on the proposed PETNet (Pet Event Tracking Network).
PETNet will primarily be a system for States and FDA to communicate. The Federal document announcing request for comments on PETNet states it was "developed in response to the 2007 outbreak that occurred in companion animals that was associated with the deliberate adulteration of pet food components, such as wheat gluten, with melamine. ...PETNet would include a system for reporting outbreaks and would be supported by adequate diagnostic laboratory facilities and an established mechanism for conducting national epidemiological investigations."
Further excerpts from the PETNet announcement "PETNet will be a secure, internet-based network comprised of the FDA, other Federal agencies, and State regulatory agencies/officials that have authority over pet food. The Network will provide timely and relevant information about pet food-related incidents to FDA, the States, and other Federal Government agencies charged with protecting animal and public health."
PETNet is a beginning to change. But...I see some problems.
PETNet will be "entirely voluntary". The FDA will invite all U.S. States to participate, but they don't have to. This is a problem. State and Federal government on different pages regarding pet food (or human food) adverse event reporting doesn't benefit anyone.
Pet owners will not have access to this pertinent information. While I understand that much/some of the PETNet reporting would be speculative - not confirmed pet food adulteration or contamination - I also understand that pet owner access to this information could save lives. Existing conditions of pet food has forced pet owners into becoming their own researchers and detectives protecting the lives of their pets. Federal and State agencies have shown us (pet owners) time and time again a lack of concern for our pets. Withholding this information from pet owners furthers an already great divide between pet owners and regulatory agencies; it furthers a lack of trust that desperately needs to be addressed.
As example, several weeks ago I shared a story of seven puppies that died due to a suspect pet food. Their little bodies were studied at the University of Oklahoma vet school; the FDA and the State Department of Agriculture got involved. The pet food was tested; tissue samples were closely examined. The pet owner has signed a release providing her permission for the University to speak publically on the test results. Yet, the veterinarian won't return calls. The investigation by the FDA provides us no information; the investigation of the State Ag Department provides us no information. This could be a serious issue with the pet food, or it could be some other concern that killed these puppies. But no one is providing us with answers. (Seven of eight puppies died, one survived. To read the original story, visit http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/seven-puppies-die-suspicion-of-pet-food-contamination.html)
No information is not a good thing. I appreciate this beginning from the FDA. I suggest to them this reporting portal needs to be accessible to pet owners. It is too late for pet owners to turn back to unconditional trust of pet food and regulatory agencies; those days are gone. As well, I suggest to FDA to require all State agency participation; we don't need more pet food mass confusion.
To read about PETNet visit http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480b21d8c
To post a comment, Click Here; click 'Submit a Comment' enter docket number 2010–N–0368.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best, Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com
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Sadly, I only read of this on AUG 1st. I learned of the ability to 'comment' to the FDA after the window for putting in my .02 was closed for submissions.
I wish I could see this as a sign of progress.
I can't.
The FDA sets up a one way flow of info and that aint progress.
Will there be more "silent recalls"because the FDA alerts the pet food companies while blowing off pet owners?
That is what I expect.
The FDA is funded by the taxes citizens pay, we pay for it but we are not getting jack for it!
I do not consider dead or sick pets, huge vet bills and years of sorrow and grief to be an acceptable return on the investment.
Why should we give information to the FDA that we KNOW they will use
to screw over pet owners?
The FDA makes it near impossible for a pet owner to comment, refuses to take any action against any corporation that is currently paying them off and they want me to give them MORE info?
Where, exactly, in this fabulous FDA plan is the benefit for pet owners?
Where is the benefit to our pets?
First the pets get sick or die, we run tell the FDA, they tell us nothing,
give press releases that lie and cover up for the company that sold the poison, and there is going to be NO benefit at all for the pets and their people.
I see the bloody vile hands of the PFI all over this piece of misdirection from the FDA.
When the FDA wants the cooperation of pet people they know what to do to get that cooperation. This is just smoke and mirrors.
Be sure to write and call your elected officials and tell them you are not going to tolerate a corrupt and incompetent agency like the FDA in charge of food and drug safety. Oppose all funding for the FDA until the FDA actually gets to work FOR you and urge criminal investigation into the WHY some pet food companies(cough, cough, Nutro) get a free pass from the FDA.
This article only reminded me of more surveillance! One world events coming to pass. http://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=624113
Just something to think about.