PETA and Pet Food Industry at Odds Over Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now confirms that consumers suspect dry pet food for the illness or death of their pets. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is holding a news conference today to call on the FDA to expand the pet food recall to include all dry food varieties. Consumer complaints are believed to warrant this recall until the suspect dry pet food products are tested for safety, according to PETA.

PETA will also explain its call for an investigation into Iams showing reports that indicate Menu Foods, Iams' manufacturer, may have known about the pet food contamination as early as February 20. The recall did not go into effect until March 16.

Pet Food Institute (PFI) President, Duane Ekedahl, issued a statement in response to PETA's demand for a recall of all dry pet food. "Any call at this time for a recall of dry pet food is clearly irresponsible."

Ninety-nine (99) percent of pet food is not involved in the recall and remains on store shelves, according to Ekedahl, who states, "Consumers may purchase the pet food on store shelves with confidence."

PETA maintains that "Iams has a history of causing animal suffering," referring to 2002-03 undercover investigation of an animal-testing laboratory contracted by Iams. A PETA investigator documented "that terrified animals were confined to cramped, unsanitary cages in dilapidated rooms; that dogs had chunks of muscle cut from their thighs; and other acts of cruelty. The investigator also documented that at least 27 dogs were deliberately killed."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed many of PETA's findings and the ensuing investigation resulted in the issue of 40 violations of the Animal Welfare Act. PETA will show video footage of its investigation at the news conference.