Daily Kitten Chat Forum » The Newsroom

1. 

   (Thanks for requesting that this be posted, Feral)
   ....................................................
   Tuesday Feb 2nd, 2010 12:25 PM

   The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just found Petag responsible for the
   tainted formula that sickened and killed infant animals. An independent lab
   analysis of the product showed insufficient nutrition, extreme levels of
   fiber and toxic levels of heavy metal copper.

   January 29, 2010 the FDA finished their investigation into Petag. Petag is
   the number one manufacturer of kitten and puppy milk in the world as per the
   company's website. Their formulas KMR and Esbilac sickened and killed many
   animals in 2009. These formulas are also used for orphaned wildlife such as
   cheetahs, raccoons, squirrels and opossums who also died.

   Only after the FDA began their investigation did Petag publicly admit on
   their website that their KMR kitten formula was bad and should not be used.
   This was after months of reports of kittens and other animals who got
   diarrhea and died. Even though the company admitted on their website that
   they received multiple complaints CEO and co-owner George Gill told the FDA
   that they only received one complaint.

   COO and company owner Darlene Frudakis admitted in a December 17, 2009 radio
   interview on "Where the fur flies" that their KMR formula was spoiled from
   heat and should not be used. Unfortunately Frudakis did not alert consumers
   or distributors of the problems with the product. She merely posted a small
   note on the company website. The tainted product is still on store shelves.
   The FDA does not have the power to force recalls on pet food items. The
   company must initiate their own recalls. Petag has not done this.

   When informed about the spoiled formula from consumers Pet Sense pet stores
   removed all of the product from their 31 stores nationwide. One manager of
   one Petco store removed the tainted product after consumer complaints. It is
   not known at this time if Petco or PetSmart removed all of the tainted
   formula from all of their stores nationwide. The tainted KMR smells rancid
   and appears more yellow than white. Do not use this formula.

   Animal Advocates in Los Angeles, California was the organization which made
   the initial report to the FDA. More information about the problems is
   available on the Animal Advocates website.

   http://www.animaladvocates.us/

   http://www.indybay. org/newsitems/ 2010/02/02/ 18636816. php

   Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

2. 

   OMG,that is horrible!! I had baby kittens that I fed KMR in late 2008 and it seemed like there were a lot of kitten deaths last year,and the baby wildlife??? It's not like there's any alternative either.
   Thanks Susie and Dee.

   Posted 2 years ago by Buttercup #

3. 

   Isn't it appalling that some of the products are still on the shelves. I think that b***h needs a taste of her own rancid product. She's nothing more than an animal killer.

   Posted 2 years ago by feral #

4. 

   Here is the interview with PetAg C.O.O., Darlene Frudakis http://www.575magazine.com/animals/1209/kmrsmellitfirst.html

   Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

5. 

   bump

   Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

6. 

   Oh my godddddd!!! How could they??? I was feeding my Scruffy KMR last year whn i found her abandoned at 3 weeks. Thank god nothing happened to her or i'd have taken the next flight out and strangled her myself!!! What a piece of trash!!

   Posted 2 years ago by Khom #

7. 

   Thanks Dee and Feral for this info! I will be forwarding it on to many. It brings a tear to my eye, it was last year that my son found those 4 sweet babies that were only a few weeks old, he and his girlfriend tried to hard to save them but one by one lost them. He was using KMR also.

   Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

8. 

   This is such a shocking story. And all the lies involved...unconscionable.

   Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

9. 

   This is the result of greed masquerading as profit. The reports of tainted foods using Chinese supplied gluten in pet and infant food are more than alarming. The days of Sinclair Lewis are definitely back with a vengeance.

   I know the convenience of KMR and the "guarantee" of nutrition and safety were and are most appealing. But maybe it is time to go back to the era of make it yourself.

   http://www.hdw-inc.com/glop.htm

   looks like a good place to start.

   Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

10. 

    great to know...thanks ailuromaniac...

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

11. 

    Thanks Ailur I'm going to print this out and leave it on my refrig door. Never know when you might come across kittens in need. you are so right about it being time to get back to doing things for ourselves.

    Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

12. 

    That 'Darlene' is a piece of garbage. She's actually trying to turn the blame on the ones purchasing the products by saying they aren't 'smelling' them thoroughly,or are leaving the products out?
    And when did she become an expert on transporting. If part of a lot is contaminated, what are the odds the whole lot isn't bad. After listening to the interview,it smells even more rancid! This kind of carelessness when it comes to products that are suppose to help (not kill) are inexcusable. She should be fired w/no second chance allowed. The poor creatures that died from the stuff will never get a second chance.

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

13. 

    bump

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

14. 

    bump

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

15. 

    OK, I have spent some extensive time reading through this fiasco.
    The validateable facts seem to be

    1) the formula in question was manufactured in 2009.
    2) the user purchased multiple 5# bags
    3) the formula tested was for dogs
    4) there was a complaint filed that determined there was evidence to do further research
    5) the company has reformulated their manfacturing process to improve stability
    6) communication to retailers was scanty at best
    7) the company avers that the problem arose after shipment to distributors where the products of a given lot were exposed at some point to excessive heat.
    8) the company states the end user should have known from vision and smell that the product was off
    9) the company states they replace defective product when it is reported directly to them.

    This is vastly different from tainting the product with inferior materials.

    True they should be more aggressive in notifying the retailers and users when there is a problem. Larger notices on the website, better labeling of the products...(color wheels indicating good verses bad product, smells you can relate to..."if it smells like the back end of an angry skunk you should not use it" Well not that silly but common scents to match...It should smell like pancakes, or report a rotten egg odor.) Also publishing a good glop formula for emergency use while you wait for your product replacement would be a good show of faith.

    Still the company does not use preservatives so you have to expect a shorter shelf-life. I don't think really large bulk packaging is good either. The temptation is to buy the largest bag or can that you can and try to make it stretch. Smaller units force a fresher supply.

    They need to put more supervision on their distributers. Say, they contract with the larger pet stores to spot check a percentage of every lot. If a distributor is not storing the product correctly and delivering bad products they should loose their contracts.

    The company should be more open and transparent about quality controls.

    The product has been good for many years and this may have given them a wakeup call.

    The verdict for me is be cautious, and alert. If you use the products make sure you buy only new process products and be ready to turn on a dime to the do it your self formulas.

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

16. 

    Top notch investigative work Ailur!! Thanks for the info, i'll pass it on!

    Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

17. 

    This is what Corporate Communications from PETCO emailed me today (2/19)
    ...........................
    Hi Dee,

    Please take a look at the statement on petag’s website. Hopefully this will clarify things:

    http://petag.com/news_detail.asp?RegID=16

    Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

    Sincerely,

    Brooke Simon

    PETCO Animal Supplies
    Corporate Communications

    (858)453-7845 x3473

    (858)638-2272 fax

    PETCO Blog | Facebook | Twitter

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

18. 

    bump

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

19. 

    As a wildlife rehabilitator, I am absolutely appalled at the lies about KMR and Esbiliac that you have been propagating around the internet. I contacted the FDA personally and was informed that there was/is NO FDA investigation of PetAg's formulas and there is NO report stating that the formulas are bad! While... I do not disagree that there was some tainted KMR formula shipped out last year due to a truck's refrigeration problems, it is apparent that PetAg is NOT at fault! Esbiliac changed their formula configuration last year and it's upset you and a handful of other rehabilitators, who have decided to target PetAg and spread ridiculous rumors and lies about them across the internet. I'm disgusted by your lack of integrity, and absolutely ashamed of everyone who believes you without doing a bit of their own research themselves. See my e-mail chain with the FDA here: http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2010/03/01/petag.jpg

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

20. 

    Lizzie,

    I suppose you read the opening statement and immediately moved to your condemnation.

    TDK members are very concerned with the health and well being of their cats. And yes I am certain they would rather err on the side of caution. They are also entitled to their opinions.

    However I will repeat here a portion of my research above.

    OK, I have spent some extensive time reading through this fiasco.
    The validateable facts seem to be

    1) the formula in question was manufactured in 2009.
    2) the user purchased multiple 5# bags
    3) the formula tested was for dogs
    4) there was a complaint filed that determined there was evidence to do further research
    5) the company has reformulated their manfacturing process to improve stability
    6) communication to retailers was scanty at best
    7) the company avers that the problem arose after shipment to distributors where the products of a given lot were exposed at some point to excessive heat.
    8) the company states the end user should have known from vision and smell that the product was off
    9) the company states they replace defective product when it is reported directly to them.

    This is vastly different from tainting the product with inferior materials.

    I strongly suggest you waste your time on looking up the rest of that portion of the post which pre-dates your screed by two weeks.

    Yes, this thread has been tagged with poison. Why, because that is what a worried pet owner/rescuer would look for if they were worried about a particular food.

    And if they are uncomfortable continuing to use PetAg products, they have a right to know what alternatives there are to use.

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

21. 

    Ailuromaniac,
    I was posting in response to the original post from Dee, which she had just copied and pasted from Animal Advocates, which is comprised of a woman who is out to get PetAg. I'm disgusted that people continue to copy/paste these rumors without taking the time to actually do RESEARCH on their own and figure out the truth. I appreciate the fact that you've done extensive research - it shows that you know what you're talking about, and you know what the truth is. No need for you to "strongly suggest" I "waste" my time - I've already read them. Just because I posted a comment in response to the original post doesn't mean I didn't read the ones prior.

    Yes, people have a right to know what products are out there. I just don't think people should based that decision on unfounded rumors propagated by Mary Cummins.

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

22. 

    Lizzie,

    Responding to an opening entry where further discussion has followed without acknowledging the entirety of the conversation is even more irresponsible than calling to task the opening entry for "lack of research". Not only that, IT IS RUDE.

    Do I believe you read the thread in it's entirity? No, and I don't think you will find many who do.

    As for Dee pre-researching the report. There are time factors and expertise issues to be considered as well.

    Dee reported a red flag. I had the time and expertise to follow-up. With deference to MCW in the UK, where would we be in the US if no one had shouted "the British are Coming!" before they arrived.

    You ignored the follow-up.

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

23. 

    Ailuromaniac,
    I don't know what I did to personally offend you, but I'm really sorry you have a stick up your butt about this. I didn't realize it was a requirement in this community to preface each comment with "I HAVE READ ALL THE COMMENTS FIRST, BUT I STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY." I will make sure to do that in the future. *laughs* I don't care if you believe I read the thread in its entirety. Dee reported lies without researching it on her own. If she didn't have the time to figure out whether it was true or not, she should have sent it privately to someone who DID have the time and "expertise" (really, it took you "expertise" to figure out what you did?) to contact FDA and figure out what's really going on. Propagating the lies, and continuing to leave them up on the internet, is not any better than the people who actually started the rumors.

    Buh-bye now.

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

24. 

    Ailur...I want to personally Thank You for giving your time to the research. With all that has been 'investigated', I wonder how many shelves still have the 'gone bad' formula on them?

    Well done on bringing us all up to date information. I'm proud to know you!

    Lizzie....as Ailur said & you apparently missed that....the original story was a 'heads up' red flag to research. If there were no investigation of the story....how many batches of 'gone bad' formula would still be on the shelf?
    Your opinions have been read. Have a nice day! :)

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

25. 

    Feral,

    "as Ailur said & you apparently missed that....the original story was a 'heads up' red flag to research."

    Says the one who blindly followed the "heads up red flag to research" by first commenting with "Isn't it appalling that some of the products are still on the shelves. I think that b***h needs a taste of her own rancid product. She's nothing more than an animal killer." ?

    Why didn't you wait for someone to research before jumping to the conclusions that you did? Because you believed the story before actually checking out the facts. That's my point - people copy and pasted the story and others just took it as truth without actually figuring out the lies behind it. Do you still think that the owner of PetAg is a "b***h" and "animal killer" that "needs a taste of her own rancid product?"

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

26. 

    I must admit that I am confused. Susie asked me to post an article for her...and I did. As far as "expertise" issues are concerned, I contacted Petco and Petsmart about the issue, asking them if they had heard any further information. Petco got back with me right away and I posted their response immediately. Petsmart emailed me and said that they are still in the middle of their investigation concerning the product. I'm not certain how much "expertise" is involved in researching this story (or any other story for that matter), but upon listening to the online interview with Ms. Frudakis and reading that the FDA did not investigate the company, I was satisfied in my belief that PetAg is not at fault.

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

27. 

    Dee,
    My point is that by leaving this article on the internet (and being searchable on Google), you are spreading the misinformation and lies exactly like Mary Cummins (of Animal Advocates) who is behind this ridiculous mess, wants you to. People have to dig through the comments in order to find the REAL truth, instead of just reading the initial article. It isn't until the 14th comment, written by ailuromaniac, where the truth begins to come to light. This article should be prefaced by "This was found out to be false - see research below for more information" or SOMETHING that will tell other users the truth upfront. Just copying and pasting the article means that you're copying and pasting the lies.

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

28. 

    If you reread...you will see she did not Alert the consumeres or distributors of the problem. That's where my comments were aimed at. You've said your peace. Why not just leave. For you to bring the thread back to the top when all have been somewhat satisfied by the research...is only stirring up unfluffiness...a no-no.

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

29. 

    Point taken, Lizzie, point taken.

    Posted 2 years ago by Dee #

30. 

    Feral,
    She posted the false information to a kitten forum. How is that NOT "alerting the consumers of the problem"? Are kitten enthusiasts not a target audience of kitten milk formula?

    Posted 2 years ago by Lizzie9208 #

RSS feed for this topic

Reply »

You must log in to post.