What Went Wrong: The FDA, Melamine, and More

In 2007, the biggest pet food recall in history occurred when roughly 60-million containers were taken off shelves due to melamine contamination. The recall lasted more than a month, but was too late for many pets that fell ill or died as a result of ingesting the toxic chemical melamine. Menu Foods Limited, the largest producer of both dry and wet pet food in North America, was responsible for 89% of the tainted food and was sold under numerous labels, including large brands often sold in veterinary offices. The Office of Inspector General recently audited the FDA for their role in monitoring the pet food recall, an inquiry requested by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

The OIG's report finds that not only did the FDA not possess the authority to “require manufacturers to initiate pet food recalls” but that the FDA did not “always follow procedures in overseeing the Menu Foods recall.” OIG then goes on to make recommendations for how the FDA can improve on its past performance. For the full audit report and to learn more about what the OIG discovered click here now.