In November 2011, there were a rash of complaints of chicken jerky for dogs causing illness. Symptoms ranged from poor appetite to severe kidney disease. Different manufacturers were reported, but all of the jerky originated in China.
I have an opinion, so here it is:
1) History has proven that big manufacturers will do whatever makes them the most money, not necessarily what is in our (or our pets’) best interest
2) China’s manufacturing processes are even more lax than our own in regards to safety oversight
3) Chinese companies has no regard to our safety (remember food recall and baby formula recall due to melamine contamination)
4) Companies who outsource production of food (and other products) do not spend enough money to adequately demonstrate safety (no significant quality control)
5) Just because we can’t find a cause to the problem, doesn’t mean a problem doesn’t exist
6) The FDA is woefully underfunded and lacks any power to punish offenders who get caught
So in summary: I advise against giving chicken jerky (or any other product or treat) made in China. I won’t eat food that I know has ingredients made in China. And I won’t use and facial product such as lip gloss, nail polish, etc) for my daughter if it’s made in China.
So companies out there who like to send letters to me, saying how safe their products are…you want me to promote your products? How about having them made here in the United States?
I wish I could boycott all Chinese goods until safety measures and worker conditions improve dramatically…but sadly I’ve found it’s pretty much impossible…especially because I just saw that the Dell keyboard I’m typing on…is made in China.
Here is a link to a FDA Q and A on chicken jerky
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm