edited title: Plants in China that produce U.S. dog treats blamed for killing thousands of pets 'refuse to let FDA inspectors collect samples'

Quote:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-....
22 August 2012

Four plants in China that produce treats for American-based companies refused to let FDA investigators take samples for analysis, a new report claims.

The Food and Drug Administration has received thousands of complaints from pet owners saying the tainted treats led to the deaths of their beloved animals.

But Chinese government officials would only let FDA workers take samples if they allowed the treats to be tested by Chinese laboratories, sending the investigators back empty-handed...

Quote:

NBC News obtained a copy of the records, citing FDA official Dennis Doupnik, who confirmed that no samples were collected during the visit in April.

The four plants in China - Gambol Pet Products Co. Ltd.; Shandong Honva Food Co. Ltd.; and Shandong Petswell Food Co. Ltd, as well as and Jinan Uniwell Pet Food Co. Ltd., all produce treats for Nestle Purina PetCare Co.

Among the treats made are the popular Waggin’ Train jerky.

NBC News, citing the FDA report, said that none of the factories performed any routine tests on the raw materials.

More than 2,000 reports have been sent to the FDA of dog treats made in China that have resulted in illness or death of a pet, the news outlet said.

However, spokesperson for Nestle Purina assured NBC News that the FDA’s evidence is unfounded. ‘There was no attempt by Nestle Purina for the Chinese facilities to restrict sample collection,’ Keith Schopp said.

He added that the treats remain safe for pets' consumption.

Indeed, in the past five years, the FDA has been unable to find significant contamination levels in dog treats made in China and sold in the States...