Council for Agricultural Science and Technology paper focuses on GE food labeling

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology issue paper 54, "The Potential Impacts of Mandatory Labeling for Genetically Engineered Food in the United States," examines arguments for and against the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods, the costs involved with labeling and experiences in countries that use mandatory labeling. Led by Task Force Chair Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, the authors gather factual information to produce a peer-reviewed publication that clarifies the potential impacts of mandatory labeling.

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Proponents of mandatory GE labeling cite the right to know what is in their food as an important attribute of a democratic society. Opponents think that such a label will increase the cost of food and confuse consumers with no corresponding improvement in human health or food safety. Seemingly contradictory studies are cited to support opposing views—informed discourse about this emotional issue is hard to find. This paper looks at key aspects of the argument including the following:  

• Public opinion, polls and methods used
• Consumer choice and interpretations that support both sides
• Right-to-know issues
• Food safety and testing
• Legal and economic issues
The paper's authors finish with conclusions they pulled from their science-based research. They also call for better communication about this issue, and recommend that legislators and consumers should be provided with independent objective information to help move the national discussion from contentious claims to a more fact-based, informed debate.

'Secrets of the petfood industry' identified in new report by Clear Conscience Pet

Clear Conscience Pet published a new report, Top 10 Secrets the Pet Food Industry Doesn't Want You To Know, written by its founder and chief nutritionist, Anthony Bennie.
The free report is a frank discussion of how petfood industry marketing and advertising has led to widespread misconceptions on the best ways to feed companion animal, and it also offers advice on how to decipher petfood labels and recognize truth in petfood advertising. The report covers topics from whether dry petfood is the best option to the truth about the grain-free petfood trend and information on specialized diets. 
According to Bennie: "After over 20 years in the petfood and treats industry, it frustrates me that so many people are still largely in the dark when it comes to feeding a simple and healthy diet to their dog or cat. My career in pet nutrition has been a great gift and I feel the ethical obligation to give back, so the 'Top Ten Secrets' is my way of bringing animal lovers out of their kitchen and into the boardrooms and factories where petfoods are designed and manufactured.
"It's important that those who read this report know that it is truly unbiased, since my current company, Clear Conscience Pet, does not manufacture any petfoods, only treats and food toppers. So this is not a sneaky attempt to get customers to use Clear Conscience dog or cat foods, since we don't sell basic foods...," said Bennie. 

PIJAC urges California to vote down pet food labeling proposal

In the elections on November 6, residents in California, USA, will have the chance to vote on a proposal that could impact pet food labeling requirements in that state.
Proposition 37 is a labeling initiative aimed at providing consumers with information about "genetically engineered food," including petfood. The proposal would no longer allow any processed foods to be labeled as "natural," and retailers would be responsible for ensuring all processed foods containing any covered any covered material are identified as “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.” For any product not so labeled, the proposal would require “a retailer generally must be able to document why that product is exempt from labeling.”
According to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council: "Not only does the proposal mandate far-reaching labeling requirements, it allows lawsuits by private parties to enforce the provisions, authorizing courts to award all costs incurred in investigating and prosecuting the action. Additionally, consumers could sue for violations under the state Consumer Legal Remedies Act, meaning consumers need not even demonstrate any injury to recover damages."
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council also says that processed foods, such as foods that have been canned, smoked, pressed, cooked, frozen, dehydrated, fermented or milled could no longer be labeled as natural. The group says the California Attorney General’s official summary states that “these restrictions [could] be interpreted by the courts to apply to [such processed foods] regardless of whether they are genetically engineered.”
If adopted, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council says Proposition 37 would impose significant costs on California consumers, including pet owners, and would not be able to be changed if it is adopted because it is a ballot initiative. The group urges California pet owners and consumers to vote down Proposition 37. Those with questions about the proposal may contact Michael Maddox, of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, by calling +1.202.452.1525, ext. 106, or emailing Michael@pijac.org.

Mars Petcare launches Marine Stewardship Council certified products in UK

Mars Petcare launched Marine Stewardship Council certified products in UK stores as part of the company's commitment to use only sustainably-sourced fish in all products by 2020.
Select packs of Mars Petcare’s Sheba and Whiskas petfood lines for cats are MSC-certified and available in UK stores.
Mars Petcare says it aims to achieve the following across its entire petcare portfolio as part of the MSC product certification: use only fish from 100% sustainable wild catch and sustainable aquaculture sources; replace all wild catch whole fish and fish fillet with sustainable fish by-products and sustainable aquaculture; and use only sustainable alternatives to marine fish ingredients. 
“For consumers, making the best environmental choice can be tricky – especially when you are trying to apply the same ethical values to all aspects of your weekly shop. Making sustainable seafood choices can be a particular challenge, whether you are looking for sustainable haddock for the family or cat food for the family pet," said Toby Middleton, MSC-UK manager. "By sourcing MSC certified fish and using the MSC ecolabel in these new ranges, Mars Petcare has made it simple for cat owners to shop with confidence and to reward sustainable fishing practice – even when buying for pets.”

RSPCA label receives approval

The Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (RSPCA) label received approval from consumer watchdog Choice as part of its review of food labels.
A Choice panel scrutinized the claims behind 10 of Australia's most recognized health and sustainability logos. RSPCA’s Approved Farming sticker, which indicates that the food product was responsibly and ethically sourced from sustainable outlets, was among those reviewed and was considered positively received by the panel.

Study suggests incorrect labeling on weight-loss petfood

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University conducted a recent study on 100 commercially available weight management diets and found that information on the back of the petfood bags may not be reliable.
A wide variation existed in recommended calorie intake, kilocalories and cost for diets marketed for weight loss in pets.

Fresh from the farm

Locally grown, natural ingredients and ‘made in the USA’ labeling ease consumers’ residual recall worries. Read the full article.

Bill would allow Chinese chicken imports

According to reports, US legislators are considering an appropriations measure that lifts an import ban of two years on Chinese poultry.
If passed, Chinese poultry that meets US safety standards could again be imported.

Evanger's files with FDA to resume petfood shipments

Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Co. filed a formal request with the FDA seeking a reinstatement order allowing it to resume interstate shipping of its canned petfood products, according to the company’s blog.
Earlier in June, the FDA ordered the firm to halt interstate distribution of the products, saying it was not in compliance with some food processing rules.
“Our company has been working closely with the FDA and we have already addressed many of their questions,” says Joel Sher, vice president of Evanger’s. “No Evanger’s product has been recalled, nor is there any indication that Evanger’s products are unsafe or contaminated in any way.”

NSF, American Society for Nutrition to administer new program

NSF International and the American Society for Nutrition announced their joint roles in administering a new nutritional front-of-package labeling program, the Smart Choices Program.
The program will provide manufacturers and retailers with a front-of-pack icon plus calorie information that helps consumers recognize smarter food and beverage products within product categories.
The goal is to bring consistency and clarity to the US marketplace, while providing an opportunity for manufacturers to communicate with consumers about better-for-you products.
"NSF International’s core business is certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods in order to protect public health,” said Nancy Culotta, NSF vice president. "We look forward to working with ASN to administer the program and ultimately help educate consumers on nutritional labeling."

New Canadian petfood import regulations

Canada's new import requirements for petfoods, treats and compound chews become effective July 1, 2009. These commodities will only be allowed entry into Canada with a valid import permit held by the Canadian importer.
US facilities that wish to continue exporting petfoods, treats or compound chews with bovinae ingredients (except ingredients identified by the OIE as essentially BSE risk free) must be inspected and approved by APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS), and each shipment of petfood with bovinae ingredients must be certified by VS.
The CFIA Questionnaire for US Bovinae Pet Food Facilities must be endorsed by VS and the originals given to the facility for submission by the Canadian importer to CFIA as part of the import permit application process. See the Guidelines for Bovinae Pet Food Facilities for more information.
US facilities that only desire to continue exporting pet foods, treats or compound chews with no bovinae ingredients must complete the CFIA Questionnaire for US Non-Bovinae Pet Food Facilities. See the Guidelines for Non-Bovinae Pet Food Facilities for more information.
US facilities that export pet chews to Canada present special challenges if the companies are importing finished pet chews from third countries for re-export to Canada or are importing ingredients from third countries that are not substantially changed in the manufacture of pet chews for export. See the Guidelines for Pet Chews Facilities for more information.

Greenies restricted to veterinarians, specialty retailers

Nutro Products Inc. has restricted the sale of Greenies, canine and feline dental chews, to veterinary hospitals and pet specialty retailers, according to a FAQ section on Nutro’s Web site.
Pet owners suggested that the treats were too difficult to digest because when some pets swallowed the chews whole, the treats became lodged in the pets’ throats.
However, the company created a new Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved, 96% digestible formula for the chews in 2006. Since the reformulation, no problems with the chews have been reported.
The Web site stated the reason for the restriction: “Each of the five sizes [of Greenies] is specially formulated to deliver the maximum dental benefit to each weight range.”
“Pet medical professionals at veterinary hospitals and well-trained, knowledgeable staff at pet specialty stores are best equipped to ... make the right recommendation,” Carolyn Hanigan, vice president of marketing at Nutro.

Former stray on cat food label

Asia-Veau, who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA with her owner, Margaret Karpen, is the cat pictured on Purina Friskies' new senior-formula canned food, as the face of Friskies’ new petfood line, according to an article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"Asia was a street cat I brought home," Karpen said.
Karpen submitted Asia's photo to animal talent scout Bill Casey of Animal Talent of Chicago, and it turned out that this cat had the look Purina had been searching for.
"Asia is the perfect example of a senior Friskies cat," said Purina spokeswoman Julie Kahn. "She's vital, curious and adventurous. True friskiness isn't a matter of age. It comes from within, and Asia shows this at her playful, frisky best."

Petfood labeling lawsuit thrown out

San Francisco lawyers rescued Wal-Mart and a group of petfood manufacturers on March 16 from a class action that could have led to millions of dollars in damages.
A federal judge in Nevada, granted a motion by the defense to pre-emptively deny certification to a class of plaintiffs that would have spanned eight states, including California. Margaret Picus, a Nevada woman, filed a class action in state court against Wal-Mart and a group of food manufacturers in April 2007, alleging that they illegally labeled their petfood "Made in USA," though some ingredients were imported from China.
The previous month, the Food and Drug Administration had announced that certain petfood ingredients imported from China were sickening and killing cats and dogs.
U.S. District Judge Philip Pro of Nevada denied Picus class certification in Picus v. Wal-Mart Stores, 07-00682, ruling that subjective, individual issues made a class action the wrong way to handle the case. Specifically, Pro wrote in his decision, the law requires the plaintiffs to prove that each person who bought the tainted petfood did so because it was labeled "Made in USA."