U.S. Marshals Seize Pet Food from PetCo Warehouse

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

The FDA had inspected the warehouse in April and May, 2008, both times finding widespread rodent and bird infestion of pet food. Margaret Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, described the conditions at the distribution center as "filthy and unsanitary."

The distribution center supplies PetCo retail stores in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. The FDA advises consumers who have handled products from that distribution center to use routine sanitation care, by thoroughly washing their hands as well as cans and glass containers. Bags of dry food are probably best returned to the retailer for refund.

Also, if a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners are advised to contact their veterinarians and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.