[Vision2020] Joint Update: FDA/USDA Trace Adulterated Animal Feed to Poultry

[Saundra Lund]

FDA News


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2007 

Media Inquiries: 
FDA Media Relations Office, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries: 
888-SAFEFOOD

 

Joint Update: FDA/USDA Trace Adulterated Animal Feed to Poultry

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have learned that byproducts
from pet food manufactured with contaminated wheat gluten imported from
China have been used in chicken feed on some farms in the state of Indiana.
This information came to light as part of the continuing investigation into
imported rice protein concentrate and wheat gluten that have been found to
contain melamine and melamine-related compounds. 

At this time, the investigation indicates that approximately 30 broiler
poultry farms and eight breeder poultry farms in Indiana received
contaminated feed in early February and fed it to poultry within days of
receiving it. All of the broilers believed to have been fed contaminated
product have since been processed. The breeders that were fed the
contaminated product are under voluntary hold by the flock owners.

As with exposure from hogs fed contaminated pet food and for similar reasons
related to the dilution of the contamination, FDA and USDA believe the
likelihood of illness after eating chicken fed the contaminated product is
very low. Because there is no evidence of harm to humans associated with
consumption of chicken fed the contaminated product, no recall of poultry
products processed from these animals is being issued. Testing and the joint
investigation continue. If any evidence surfaces to indicate there is harm
to humans, the appropriate action will be taken.

Because the poultry being held have been fed adulterated products, USDA
cannot knowingly approve products derived from these poultry for human
consumption. USDA is offering to compensate producers who euthanize this
poultry. USDA is also offering the expertise and assistance of Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) personnel in carrying out
depopulation activities, to ensure adherence to Federal and State laws.

FDA and USDA anticipate that as the investigation continues additional farms
will likely be identified that received contaminated feed. As indicated in
previous updates, FDA and USDA have also traced contaminated feed to swine
farms in several states. The same procedures are being followed in relation
to both swine and poultry; animals are being quarantined by state order or
voluntarily held by the owners and USDA is offering compensation for
depopulation and disposal of both swine and poultry that have been fed
contaminated products.

USDA and FDA continue to conduct a full, comprehensive examination to
protect the nation's food supply and will provide updates as new information
is confirmed.

 

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