Pet Food Infested with Rodents and Birds

Photo: Luis Carlos Torres/Istock

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U.S. Marshals raided a Petco distribution center in Joliet, Ill., seizing animal food that had allegedly been infested with rodents and birds.

Food and Drug Administration inspectors say they saw "widespread and active rodent and bird infestation" during visits in April and May. A federal judge in Chicago issued a warrant at the request of the FDA, and the food was seized.

“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.”

Pet food in sixteen states may be unfit to consume or even handle because it was stored at in unsanitary conditions at the distribution center. The FDA urged caution for anyone who purchased products from Petco stores in these states:

• Alabama
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin.

There's no evidence that the food is unsafe, or that any pet has been made ill. Still, the FDA issued this advice for pet owners:

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.

Find more info here.

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