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.
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