Los Angeles, CAThousands of pets have become ill after being fed jerky treats made in China. Nearly 600 animals have died, according to federal officials.
According to a report by MSNBC.com, dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have been affected after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. But exactly what is causing the illnesses remains a mystery. “To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a new report. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”
The FDA has been actively investigating consumer complaints about jerky pet treats causing illness in dogs and in some cats. As of September 24, 2013, over 3,600 dogs and 10 cats have reportedly become ill from eating jerky pet treats. At least two class action lawsuits have been filed, one against Del Monte subsidiary Milo's Kitchen which sells Chicken Jerky Dog Treats made in China. The suit alleges that the dog treats kill dogs and make them sick.
A $5 million class action lawsuit was also filed against Nestlé Purina Petcare Co, alleging the company's Waggin’ Train Yam Good chicken-wrapped treats causes kidney failure in dogs.
According to an FDA Fact Sheet, the treats are sold as jerky tenders or strips and are made with chicken, duck, sweet potato, dried fruit, and in combinations of these ingredients. Product samples have been tested for contaminants known to cause the symptoms and illnesses reported in pets including Salmonella, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics, and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. Nutritional composition analyses have been conducted including fatty acids, crude fiber, glycerol, protein, ash and moisture, and other excess nutrients. The purpose of nutritional composition testing is to verify the presence of ingredients listed on the label. To date, none of the tests have revealed the cause of the illnesses.
If you or a loved one have suffered losses in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a defective products lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.