FDA requires Evanger’s to get emergency permit

[sugarcatmom]

http://www.petconnection.com/blog/20...rgency-permit/

April 24, 2008

News release just in from the FDA:

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Orders Pet Food Maker to Obtain Emergency Operating Permit

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an order requiring that Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc., in Wheeling, Ill., obtain an emergency permit from the FDA before its canned pet food products enter interstate commerce.

A recent inspection revealed significant deviations from prescribed documentation of processes, equipment, and recordkeeping in the production of the company’s thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. These problems could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

“As outlined in the Food Protection Plan, the FDA uses a risk-based approach to locate the areas of greatest risk for foods, and targets preventive controls and inspections to those areas, “ said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “The FDA’s authority to issue an order requiring an emergency permit is an enforcement tool designed to prevent unsafe foods from reaching consumers.”

The FDA issues an “Order of Need for Emergency Permit” if the agency determines that a company fails to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. For Evanger’s to resume business, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard.

Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing.

In light of human botulism illnesses and recalls that occurred due to under-processed hot dog chili sauce, and potentially under-processed canned green beans, FDA has urged all LACF processors to review their operations and the apply scientific principals and regulations that have been established to provide a safe product.

While FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has authority over animal feed and foods, CFSAN is responsible for regulating all human and animal LACF processing. The two centers are collaborating on this enforcement action.

[LifeIsMyDog]

Hi, I heard about the statement so I am new to these blogs. I was concerned so I got on the company website and this is what I found. Sounds like the emergency email was worded poorly:

April 25, 2008


To Our Valued Customers:

The US Food & Drug Administration conducted a routine inspection of Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc. during February & March of 2008. As a result of the inspection, the FDA raised questions regarding recordkeeping. Neither Evanger’s nor FDA has received ANY customer complaints questioning the safety of Evanger’s products relating to this minor recordkeeping issue.

The FDA has not raised any questions as to the safety of any of Evanger’s products.

Although FDA has raised these questions about recordkeeping, Evanger’s continues to make and distribute its products with FDA approval. Evanger’s is working closely with expert process consultants, TechniCal Inc., which has already fully addressed many of FDA’s inquiries, and we expect to have all FDA concerns fully satisfied shortly.

Evanger’s is committed to providing high quality, safe, and nutritious all-natural and organic pet food, as it has done since 1935.

Respectfully,

Joel Sher
Vice President
Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc.

[rainbow]

This was just released this afternoon...

http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet...AQF512/GIStory

[tswtdbc]

Hi, I'm interested in thoughts/opinions on the "He Said, She Said" Evangers story.

This is really concerning as I still have about 20 cans of Evangers sitting around and really believed it was one of the healthiest dog foods you could buy.

I don't know who or what to believe as I really don't have much faith in the FDA (MHO) and wonder if they're using Evangers as a scapegoat or what ....

Any thoughts? Is anyone continuing to feed their dogs Evangers or should I throw out the food???!

[Shaykeija]

when in doubt.... throw it out...

[Love4himies]

That is my motto too. Don't risk it.

[tswtdbc]

Hi, apologies for the delayed "thanks"!
I couldn't actually bring myself to ditch all the cans, but did stash them away in my basement!
Has anyone heard an update? I was at my local petstore yesterday and asked about it and the guy said they had got their license back and everything was cleared up. Hmmmm ... I dunno ... I haven't been able to find anything about that?