Nestlé Purina under scrutiny by FDA | Dr. Justine Lee

Posted by justinelee in Animal Safety, Blog, Pet Health, Recalls

Earlier this year on January 2, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cited Nestlé Purina for “significant deviations” in regulations  at its Allentown, Pennsylvania, plant.

Personally, I’m not sure what a low acid pet food is, but… read on:

The FDA stated that the low acid pet foods Nestlé Purina manufactured at the plant may be adulterated. You can read the FDA letter to Purina here. Some of the deviations in regulations include:

• Process each low acid canned food in conformity with at least the scheduled process filed with the FDA. This involves differentiating process times, minimum sterilization temperatures, cook times, temperature drops during processing and consistent pouch thickness for packaging.
• Identify, from a processor check or otherwise, deviations from the scheduled process of critical factors, which are “out of control”; the company also failed to record these deviations in a separate log.
• Chlorinate or otherwise sanitize cooling water.
• Establish a system for traffic control room to prevent unsterilized product from bypassing the sterilization process.
• Install mercury-in-glass thermometers in a location where they can be accurately and easily read.
• Have all processing and productions records signed or initialed by a representative or plant manager.

Note, some of these deviations are more “documentation” issues. Some of these are truly not a “big deal” at all (e.g., thermometers, signing records, etc.). The warning letter stated “You should take prompt action to correct the violations described in this letter and establish and implement procedures which will prevent them from occurring in the future… Failure to take appropriate corrective action may subject your firm and products to further actions, such as emergency permit control, injunction, or seizure.”

Thankfully, Nestlé Purina is addressing it immediately and making it a top priority, which will include corrective actions and additional documentation as requested by the FDA. At this time, fear not, there are no recalls to any of the products made at the Allentown plant. That said, the following products were involved:

• Alpo Chop House Originals Roasted Chicken 
• Friskies Indoor Chicken
• Mighty Dog Chicken Egg & Bacon Country Platter
• Mighty Dog Chicken & Smoked Bacon Combo
• Alpo Chop House Originals Filet Mignon
• Mighty Dog Lamb and Rice
• Friskies Mixed Grill
• ProPlan Senior Beef and Rice Entrée
• Friskies Salmon Dinner
• Alpo Chop House Rotisserie Chicken in Gravy
• Alpo Prime Cuts with Beef
• Alpo Chop House Originals Filet Mignon
• Gravy Sensations with Turkey and Giblets in Gravy

When in doubt, call the company directly if you have any questions, or consult with your veterinarian.